C of O, Governor's Consent, gazette, excision, deed of assignment — what each document means, who issues it, and why it decides whether your land purchase is safe.
Most painful stories in Nigerian real estate begin the same way: money moved before documents were understood. The antidote is not cynicism — it is knowing exactly which papers matter and what each one proves.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
The C of O is the state government's confirmation of a right of occupancy over a parcel of land, typically for 99 years. It is the strongest common evidence of title. When a seller cannot produce one, that alone should slow everything down until the alternative chain of title has been properly examined.
Governor's Consent
When land that already holds a right of occupancy changes hands, the transfer must be consented to by the Governor of the state. Without this consent, your purchase may exist only between you and the seller — not against the rest of the world. Always confirm whether consent has been obtained, is being processed, or is not yet applicable.
Survey plan and charting
A registered survey plan fixes the exact coordinates and boundaries of the land. Charting those coordinates at the state lands bureau tells you whether the land falls under government acquisition, committed land, or freehold zones. This single check prevents some of the most expensive mistakes in the market.
Gazette and excision (Lagos context)
For communities whose land was acquired by government, an excision formally releases part of it back, published in the state gazette. Land described as 'under excision' is not yet yours to build safely — verify the gazette publication yourself or have a professional do it.
Deed of assignment
The deed of assignment is the contract that transfers interest from seller to buyer. Read every clause: description of the property, consideration, covenants, and conditions precedent. Never sign a deed you have not had reviewed line by line.
None of these checks requires luck — only discipline. At Abundance Abodes, verification precedes recommendation on every listing we present. If you would like a second opinion on a property you have found elsewhere, book a consultation and we will gladly review the documents with you.