C of O vs Governor’s Consent: What Every Property Buyer Should Know

When you buy property in Nigeria, the title document decides how secure your investment is. Two names come up again and again: the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and Governor’s Consent. They are related, but they are not the same thing.

What a C of O is

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the state government under the Land Use Act. It confirms that the holder has the right to occupy and use a piece of land for a set period, usually 99 years. When land is first allocated or regularised, the C of O is issued in the name of that first owner.

What Governor’s Consent is

Under the same law, any later transfer of land that already has a C of O needs the Governor’s approval. When you buy from someone who holds a C of O, your purchase is perfected by obtaining Governor’s Consent, which records you as the new owner. Without it, the transfer is incomplete on paper, even if you have paid in full.

Which one should you look for?

• Buying directly from the government or a first allottee: the C of O in the seller’s name, which you then transfer to yourself with Governor’s Consent.
• Buying a resale property: the seller’s C of O (or their own Governor’s Consent), a Deed of Assignment from them to you, and then Governor’s Consent in your name.

Checks to do before you pay

1. Ask for the original title document, not just a photocopy.
2. Run a search at the state land registry to confirm who the registered owner is and that the land is free of disputes or government acquisition.
3. Make sure the survey plan matches the land you were shown.
4. Use a lawyer to prepare the Deed of Assignment and handle the consent application.

Our team handles title checks on every property we list. If you have questions about a document, talk to one of our agents.