Land Title & Certificate of Occupancy
Formalising land ownership in Nigeria usually means getting a Governor's Consent and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from your state's Lands Bureau, or perfecting an existing title after purchase.
- Processing time
- Several months to over a year in many states, depending on backlog and document completeness.
- Starting cost
- Percentage of land value + fees
- Steps
- 6 to complete
- Last verified
- August 2026
Who can apply
- Individuals or companies who have purchased or been allocated land
- Applicants must show a valid root of title (Deed of Assignment, Allocation letter, etc.)
Documents you'll need
What it costs
| Certificate of Occupancy processingTypically several hundred thousand naira; varies widely by state, location and plot size | Percentage of land value + fees |
| Governor's ConsentOften the largest cost item — confirm current rate at your state Lands Bureau | Percentage-based fee |
| Survey plan (if needed)Depends on plot size and surveyor | ₦50,000 – ₦300,000+ |
Where to apply
- Your State Ministry of Lands / Lands Bureau
- A licensed surveyor for the survey plan component
- A lawyer or licensed land agent for title perfection (recommended, not compulsory)
Application steps
- 1
Verify the land title first
Before or after purchase, search the land registry to confirm the seller's title is genuine and free of encumbrances.
- 2
Obtain/confirm a survey plan
A registered surveyor prepares or verifies the coordinates and boundaries of the plot.
- 3
Apply for Governor's Consent
Submit your Deed of Assignment and supporting documents to the Lands Bureau for the Governor to consent to the transfer.
- 4
Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy
Once consent is granted, apply for the C of O, which formalises your right of occupancy for a fixed term (commonly 99 years).
- 5
Pay all statutory fees
Includes consent fees, capital gains tax where applicable, registration and stamp duty.
- 6
Collect and register your C of O
Register the document at the Lands Registry so it's searchable and legally recognised.
How to pay
- Bank draft/transfer to the state Lands Bureau account
- Some states now accept online portal payments
Checking your status
Follow up directly with the Lands Bureau office handling your file, quoting your application reference number.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Buying land without a title search, risking disputes or 'omo onile' issues
- ✕Skipping Governor's Consent when land changes hands
- ✕Assuming a Deed of Assignment alone is enough — it is not a substitute for a C of O
- ✕Using an unlicensed surveyor whose plan the Lands Bureau later rejects
Ready to start your land documents application?
You'll complete the actual transaction on the official State Lands Bureau / Ministry of Lands site — we just made sure you arrive knowing exactly what to do.
Go to Your state Lands Bureau (e.g. Lagos: lagosstate.gov.ng/lands) ↗