Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), issued by the Lagos State Government, grants a 99-year statutory right to occupy and use land. It serves as strong legal proof of ownership, protects against disputes, and is governed by the Land Use Act 1978. Revocation is possible in rare cases for public interest.
Governor’s Consent
Governor’s Consent is a mandatory approval from the Lagos State Government to legalize the transfer, mortgage, or lease of land with a C of O. Without it, such transactions are not legally recognized, and delays in processing are common.
Deed of Assignment
A Deed of Assignment is a legal document transferring land ownership from seller to buyer, detailing names, date, and land description. It must be signed, witnessed, stamped, and registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry to be legally valid.
Survey Plan
A Survey Plan, prepared by a licensed surveyor, details a land’s exact location, size, boundaries, beacon numbers, and coordinates. It is used to verify if the land is free from government acquisition via the Lagos State GIS database or Surveyor-General’s office.
Excision
Excision is the process by which the Lagos State Government releases previously acquired land to indigenous communities. Excised land is recognized as free from acquisition, but buyers must verify its gazette status and the seller’s title for safe purchase.
Gazette
A Gazette is an official government publication listing lands excised by the Lagos State Government, confirming their release from acquisition. Land in a Gazette is considered safe, but buyers should verify with the Lands Bureau.
Land Purchase Receipt
A Land Purchase Receipt is proof of payment issued by the seller or their representative, detailing the transaction. It is essential for processing documents like the Deed of Assignment and should be supported by other title documents.
Deed of Conveyance
A Deed of Conveyance, used before the 1978 Land Use Act, documents land ownership transfers and remains valid for older properties if registered. Post-1978, it is largely replaced by the Deed of Assignment.
Allocation Letter
An Allocation Letter, issued by real estate companies or the government, confirms that a specific land plot has been assigned to a buyer. It often precedes the issuance of a C of O but may not confer full title until then.
Beacon Numbers and Coordinates
Beacon Numbers and Coordinates are physical markers and geospatial data, respectively, used in a survey plan to define a land’s boundaries. They are critical for verifying land status and safety through the Lagos State GIS database.
