Buying land or a house in Nigeria is only the first step. Without proper documentation and registration, your ownership can be challenged, your property can be sold by someone else, or you may struggle to sell it later. Diaspora owners are especially vulnerable because they’re not around to notice encroachment or fraud.
This guide provides general information. Work with a qualified Nigerian property lawyer.
Key Documents You Should Know
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Issued by a state governor, a C of O evidences a statutory right of occupancy over land under the Land Use Act. It’s one of the strongest title documents.
Governor’s Consent: When you buy land that already has a C of O or other registered title, the transfer generally requires the Governor’s Consent. Without it, the transaction may be incomplete in the eyes of the law.
Deed of Assignment: A legal document transferring interest in land from seller to buyer. It should be properly executed and registered.
Survey Plan: Prepared by a registered surveyor, it shows the land’s boundaries and coordinates.
Excision and Gazette: In some states, land released from government acquisition to communities may be documented through excision and publication in an official gazette.
Receipts and Contract of Sale: Evidence of payment and agreement, but not full title on their own.
Why Registration Matters
Registering your title with the state land registry creates an official record of your ownership. It helps protect you against competing claims, allows proper searches by future buyers and supports transactions like mortgages or sales.
Perfect Your Title
Many buyers stop at receipts or unregistered deeds to save money. This is risky. Work with your lawyer to:
- Obtain Governor’s Consent where required
- Register the deed of assignment
- Pay the relevant fees and charges
- Obtain certified copies of registered documents
Processes and costs vary by state. For Lagos, the Lagos State Government website provides links to its land agencies and services. Other states have their own ministries and registries.
Protect Physical Possession
- Fence the land
- Place signage indicating ownership where appropriate
- Develop the land or put it to use
- Arrange periodic inspections by trusted people
Unused land is more vulnerable to encroachment.
Keep Documents Safe
Store original documents securely, ideally in a bank safe deposit box or with a trusted lawyer. Keep scanned copies abroad. Avoid handing originals to relatives or agents without proper records.
Watch for Fraud
Fraudsters sometimes forge documents or impersonate owners, particularly of properties owned by diaspora Nigerians. Consider conducting periodic searches at the land registry to confirm no unauthorised transactions have been registered on your property.
Pay Land Charges and Taxes
States may charge ground rent, land use charges or property taxes. Unpaid charges can lead to penalties or complications. Keep receipts.
Plan for Succession
Include your Nigerian properties in your will, and ensure beneficiaries know where documents are. Unclear succession can lead to family disputes and property loss.
Manage Tenancies Properly
If you rent out your property, use written tenancy agreements and reliable property managers. Direct rent payments to accounts in your name and keep records.
Verify Before Every Transaction
Whenever you plan to sell, mortgage, lease long-term or develop your property, run a fresh search to confirm your title remains clean and no competing claims have appeared. Regular checks cost little compared with the losses from undetected fraud, and they give future buyers confidence in your documents.
Final Thoughts
Owning property in Nigeria is only secure when your title is properly documented and registered. Understand key documents, perfect your title, register it, protect physical possession, keep originals safe and plan for succession. Protecting your property today prevents painful disputes tomorrow.