Land Documents in Nigeria Explained: C of O, Governor’s Consent, Survey Plan

Buying land in Nigeria means dealing with several documents, each proving something different. Buyers who understand them ask better questions, and developers who explain them clearly sell faster. Here is what each one means.

The Land Use Act

Under the Land Use Act of 1978, land in each state is vested in the state Governor, who holds it in trust for the people. Private owners hold a right of occupancy, not absolute ownership. In the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Minister exercises this power, and titles are documented through AGIS.

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The C of O is issued by the state government and is the strongest proof of a right to land. It names the holder, describes the land’s size and location, states its purpose and conditions, and usually runs for 99 years for residential land.

Governor’s Consent

When land with a C of O changes hands, the Governor must consent to the transfer. Without consent, the transfer is not legally complete. A buyer of a plot in an estate with a global C of O will need consent for their own plot.

Survey plan

A survey plan, prepared by a registered surveyor, shows the exact boundaries, size and location of the land. Buyers use it to check whether the land is free from government acquisition, which is done at the state’s surveyor-general’s office.

Deed of assignment

The deed of assignment records the sale itself, transferring the seller’s interest to the buyer from a stated date. It should be registered after consent is obtained.

Excision and gazette (Lagos)

When the Lagos State government releases land it had acquired back to the original owners, usually communities or families, the release is published in the official gazette. Land that has been excised and gazetted can be sold legally; land still under acquisition cannot.

What buyers should ask a developer for

• A copy of the estate’s title (C of O, or gazette and excision in Lagos)
• The registered survey plan, and a charting result showing the land is free from acquisition
• The developer’s registration (LASRERA in Lagos)
• The estate layout, showing the exact plot and its number
• A sale agreement stating when physical allocation and the deed of assignment will be given

A live estate map helps buyers match the paperwork to the ground: the plot number on the layout, its size and its position in the estate. It does not replace a title search by the buyer’s lawyer, but it makes it far easier.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Use a lawyer and a surveyor for any land purchase.