Are you planning to buy land in Lagos but confused about the different land titles Lagos offers? And you want to know which title documents provide the strongest protection for your property investment

In this post, GLE Properties will explain all the types of land titles Lagos recognizes and show you step-by-step how to obtain each one to protect your investment.

Before we begin, why do land titles matter so much? Land titles in Lagos are official documents that prove you legally own a property. Without proper title documents, you have no legal protection if someone challenges your ownership in the future or today.

Lagos State recognizes various land titles, these titles are crucial for ensuring clear ownership, preventing disputes, and facilitating the transfer of land rights. The system of land registration and titles in Lagos is governed by various laws and regulations designed to streamline land transactions and enhance property security. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions when buying property.

Main Types of Land Titles Lagos Recognizes

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The Certificate of Occupancy is known to be the strongest and most recognized land title in Lagos. This document gives you the highest level of legal protection for your property.

What makes C of O special:

  • Issued directly by the Lagos State Governor
  • Valid for 99 years (can be renewed)
  • Recognized by all banks for loan collateral
  • Accepted by courts as proof of ownership
  • Required for major property developments

Getting a C of O takes time and money, but it provides the best security for your investment. Properties with C of O also sell faster and command higher prices. Everything you should know about C of O in Lagos.

2. Deed of Assignment

A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers property ownership from seller to buyer. While not a government-issued title, registered deeds are important land titles Lagos recognizes. It is an important document in the process of acquiring a C of O.

The Deed of Assignment outlines the terms of the sale and transfer. When the deed of assignment is registered with the government, you can get a governor’s consent or the deed becomes a registered deed.

Key features of Deed of Assignment:

  • Created by lawyers during property sales
  • Must be registered at the Land Registry
  • Provides evidence of ownership transfer
  • Required for getting Governor’s Consent later
  • Costs less than C of O but offers less protection

A registered Deed of Assignment is better than an unregistered one, but it’s not as strong as a C of O. Many property owners use deeds temporarily while working to get their C of O.

3. Governor’s Consent

Governors Consent is the authority conferred on the Governor of Lagos State of Nigeria to affirm or approve the transaction relating to the sales and or transfer of ownership of a land or related property, such as a house.

Governor’s Consent is not exactly a separate title but an endorsement required on existing land titles Lagos when ownership changes hands. Under the Land Use Act, any transfer of property requires fresh Governor’s Consent.

4. Excision and Gazette

Excision refers to land that the government has released from community or family ownership for private ownership. A Gazette is the official publication of this excision in government records.

5. Survey Plan

A Survey Plan is a document that shows the exact boundaries, size, and location of your land. While technically not a title document, it’s one of the essential land titles Lagos requires for all property transactions.

Survey Plans must include:

  • Property coordinates and dimensions
  • Boundary descriptions and neighboring properties
  • Licensed surveyor’s seal and signature
  • Lagos State government approval stamps
  • Clear indication of property size in square meters

Without a proper Survey Plan, you cannot process other land titles. Always use licensed surveyors registered with the Lagos State government.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Land Titles Lagos

Step 1: Verify Property Ownership

Before starting any title acquisition process, verify the seller actually owns the land. Conduct a title search at the Lagos Land Registry to check:

  • Current registered owner’s name
  • Previous ownership history
  • Pending court cases or disputes
  • Community or family claims

This verification prevents buying land from people who don’t have rights to sell it.

Step 2: Engage Professional Services

Hire qualified professionals to help you through the complex process of obtaining land titles:

  • Licensed property lawyers
  • Registered surveyors
  • Reputable real estate agents

These professionals know the requirements and can help you avoid costly mistakes during the application process.

Step 4: Obtain Survey Plan

If the land currently doesn’t have a survey plan, hire a licensed surveyor to prepare one for you. The surveyor will:

  • Visit the property to sight and take measurements
  • Mark boundaries and neighboring properties
  • Prepare a detailed survey drawings
  • Submit plans to Lagos State for approval
  • Provide you with stamped, approved copies

Survey plans typically cost ₦250,000-700,000 depending on property size and location.

Step 5: Execute Deed of Assignment

Work with your lawyer to prepare and execute a proper Deed of Assignment. This document must:

  • Clearly identify buyer and seller
  • Describe the property in detail
  • State the purchase price and payment terms
  • Include signatures of both parties and witnesses

Make and keep multiple certified copies for different stages of the title application process.

Step 6: Pay Required Taxes and Fees

Pay all taxes and fees associated with land titles in Lagos:

  • Stamp duty on Deed of Assignment
  • Land Use Charge (annual property tax)
  • Registration fees at Land Registry
  • Application fees for C of O or Governor’s Consent
  • Survey approval fees

Keep all payment receipts as proof for your applications.

Step 7: Register at Land Registry

Submit your executed Deed of Assignment and supporting documents to the Lagos Land Registry for registration. This creates an official record of your ownership.

Step 8: Apply for Certificate of Occupancy

Submit your C of O application to the Lands Bureau in Lagos State. You will need:

  • Vital Information Form
  • Standard Allocation Form with the Receipt.
  • Evidence of paying the Income Tax
  • Passport photographs (with a white background)
  • A Survey Plan for the land
  • Current Development Levy
  • All receipts confirming the payment of all Land Charges.
  • Sketch map of the land’s location.
  • Duly-stamped purchase receipt of the land.

Conclusion

Knowing the different types of land titles recognized in Lagos State, Nigeria and how to obtain them is important for protecting your property. Each title document serves specific purposes and offers different levels of legal protection.

Don’t rush the process of obtaining proper land titles accepted in Lagos State. Taking time to do things correctly saves you from future legal problems and financial losses.

Have you been wanting to buy land or a house in Ibadan, Epe, Ajah, Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki or anywhere in Nigeria? Reach out to us on +234 806 400 3456 or send an email to support@godslandempire.com. We are ever ready to assist you on your property ownership journey in Nigeria