In Nigeria, Types of Property Titles Obtainable in Nigeria key property titles include the powerful Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) for long-term use (99 years), Deed of Assignment/Conveyance for transferring ownership, and Governor’s Consent, which legitimizes transfers, alongside Excision and Gazette for lands released by the government, and Probate/Letter of Administration for inherited property. These documents establish legal rights, proving ownership, occupancy, or transfer of interest, with the CofO being the strongest assurance of rights, while others like receipts or survey plans provide supporting evidence.
Primary Title Documents
- Certificate of Occupancy (CofO): Grants right to occupy land for up to 99 years (residential), a strong form of title issued by the state government.
- Governor’s Consent: Required for land transfers, it’s the government’s approval for a transaction, making it legally binding.
- Deed of Assignment/Conveyance: Transfers land rights and interest from one person to another, serving as proof of new ownership after a sale.
- Excision: Land released by the government from its acquisition for individual/community use, often confirmed by a Gazette.
- Gazette: An official government publication confirming land excision or other land matters.
- Probate/Letter of Administration: Valid titles for property inherited from a deceased person, obtained from the Probate Registry.
Supporting & Transactional Documents
- Survey Plan: Maps the land, identifies boundaries, and shows existing title status (CofO, excised, etc.).
- Receipt/Contract of Sale: Acknowledges payment and outlines sale terms, important for future proof of transaction.
- Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to act on the owner’s behalf in land matters.
- Deed of Gift: Transfers land ownership without monetary exchange.
- Deed of Lease: Grants temporary land use rights for a specific period, less permanent than other titles.
Key Points
- Cof O vs. R of O: A Cof O is generally stronger and more permanent than a Right of Occupancy (R of O), which can be temporary.
- Verification: Always verify titles with land registries and experts to avoid issues like government acquisition.