These documents are not the same thing. Knowing the difference can protect you from costly mistakes.
Buying land in Nigeria means meeting several documents. People often use the terms loosely, which causes confusion.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
This is a document issued by the state government as evidence of a right of occupancy over land. It is widely seen as strong proof of title, but you should still verify it at the land registry.
Deed of Assignment
This is the document that transfers an interest in land from a seller to a buyer. It records the parties, the land and the terms of the sale.
Governor’s Consent
Under Nigeria’s land laws, transferring certain interests in land may require the state Governor’s consent for the transfer to be valid. Without it, your ownership may be challenged.
Other documents you may meet
- Survey plan: confirms the exact size and boundaries of the plot
- Receipts and agreements: useful as supporting evidence, but not a replacement for proper title documents
How they fit together
A typical safe purchase involves verifying the seller’s title, preparing a deed of assignment, obtaining the required consent and registering your interest.
What to do next
Hire a lawyer to verify documents, and a surveyor to confirm the plot. Our surveying services can help. Once your land is secure, read how to build a house in Nigeria step by step.
You can also contact us to discuss designs that suit your plot.