By Dr. Embee BADR Esq.
Many buyers believe that seeing a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) means a land deal is 100% safe. This misconception leads to loss of millions of Naira in property transactions.
Under the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in a state is vested in the State Governor. A CofO merely grants a 99-year leasehold interest; it does not guarantee that the seller actually has the legal title to sell to you. Before paying a single Naira, perform a search at the State Land Registry (e.g., Agodi Secretariat Ibadan, or Alausa Secretariat in Lagos. Verify whether the land is under government acquisition, committed for public projects, or subject to court litigation.
Always ensure you execute a Deed of Assignment and obtain the mandatory Governor’s Consent. Without Governor’s Consent, your title remains incomplete in the eyes of the law, leaving you vulnerable to third-party claims or government takeover. Know Your Rights!
Dr. Embee
