Buying land or property in Nigeria can be one of the smartest financial decisions you will ever make or one of the most expensive mistakes depending on one thing, which is the documentation! The knowledge of how to get the C of O and the importance can make or break your property investment.
At the top of that documentation ladder is the Certificate of Occupancy, popularly known as C of O. It is regarded as the highest and best title document.
In this article, we will explain what C of O is and different types of C of O that can be issued to an applicant and why a genuine C of O is not optional it is essential.
What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?
What is really a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Nigeria? A Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document issued by a State Government in Nigeria that proves a person or company has been granted the right to use and occupy a piece of land for a specific period, usually for 99 years. (Remember that all lands are owned by the government, according to Land Use Act, so they have the right to grant ownership to anybody)
In other word, it is a title document issued by the Governor of a State showing that the applicant is the owner of the land and he is permitted the use the land for 99 years subject to renewal. Before a C of O is issued to an applicant, several investigations must have been done starting from the Surveyor General’s office to the lands registry. It is a rigorous process and it takes a long time before it is issued but the wait is worth it.
Under the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in each state is vested in the Governor of that state. The C of O is the Governor’s official confirmation that you are the recognized occupant of that land.
Types of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
We have individual C of O and Global C of O
Read more: Title Documents in Nigeria
Many people lose millions because they underestimate this document. Here is why a valid Certificate of Occupancy is so Important?
- It protects you from land disputes: Nigeria has a long history of land related conflicts springing from family claims, community claims, multiple sales, and government acquisition issues. A genuine C of O drastically reduces these risks because the land has been verified and approved by the government.
- It makes your property bankable: Banks, mortgage institutions, and serious investors will not touch a property without proper title. If you ever plan to use the property as collateral or resell to a high-net-worth buyer or attract diaspora or foreign investors, a C of O is a major advantage. As an investor you should prefer property with C of O over the ones that does not have a C of O
- It increases property value: Land with a C of O is more expensive for a reason, it is secure, credible, and in demand. Over time, properties with strong titles appreciate faster and are easier to liquidate.
- It gives you peace of mind: You will not fear of demolition nor midnight calls about “another owner or sudden government seal notices. Just confidence that your investment is safe.
How can one obtain Certificate of Occupancy?
There are two common ways a C of O can be obtained:
- Government Allocation
When land is directly allocated by the government, a C of O is usually issued after all statutory processes are completed. Like the Gracepool Estate that is located in Transwoji Road in Port Harcourt was initially owned by NNPC Staff cooperative and they later sold to Real estate companies. There is a C of O already issued.
- Private Land Regularization
If land was originally family-owned or community-owned, the government conducts a land verification, survey confirmation, site inspection. Once approved, a C of O is issued in the owner’s name.
Note: C of O in process or C of O in view is not the same as C of O issued. Many buyers misunderstand this and pay dearly later.
Verbal assurance is not documentation. C of O is different from Excision, Excision only means the land is free from government acquisition. C of O is a higher title.
How do you verify a Certificate of Occupancy?
A genuine C of O should always be verified at the State Land Registry, matched with survey coordinates and checked against government acquisition records. Many buyers cut corners and regret it later.
Working with the right real estate professional matters. A professional who understands land history, title verification, government processes, risk assessment can save you millions, time, and stress. In Nigeria, what you don’t know can cost you everything in real estate.
In conclusion, A Certificate of Occupancy is not just a document, it is security, value, peace of mind and confidence wrapped into one. Don’t buy blindly, smart investors don’t rush. They verify!
That is why many investors especially diaspora Nigerians and high-net-worth individuals prefer to work with trusted property consultants who do the due diligence before recommending any property. If you are considering buying land or property in Nigeria and want honest guidance without hidden risks reach out to me today.
For further enquiries
Email: info@verazadvocates.com.ng
Call/WhatsApp: 09054440156
