Buying land is one thing. Making it legally yours is another.
If you’ve just bought land or you’re planning to, don’t stop at collecting receipts and survey plans. Until your name is properly registered and your title is processed, your ownership isn’t fully recognised by the government.
In this post, you’ll learn:
The step-by-step process for securing your land title in Nigeria
What to do depending on the current status of your land
And answers to the top questions that most land buyers ask
Let’s walk through what to do next so your investment is safe, legal, and protected.
Step-by-Step: How to Process Your Land Title in Nigeria
The process depends on what stage your land is currently in. Here’s how to move forward based on the type of documents you have:
- If the land only has a Survey Plan or Deed (no Excision):
Start by applying for Excision. This is the government’s way of releasing land from acquisition so it can be privately owned.
You’ll need:
A community layout plan
Documents proving ownership
A town planner or real estate consultant to guide the process
Once approved, the land gets listed in the Gazette which is the official record that shows it’s been excised.
- If the land already has Excision (published in the Gazette):
You can now apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). This makes your ownership official and legal for up to 99 years.
There are three main ways to qualify:
Land Regularisation: If you bought informal land without a title
Resettlement: If the land was part of a government relocation (e.g. Eyin Osa, Abomiti, Yegunda)
Government Allocation: If you bought directly from a government scheme
To apply, you’ll typically need:
A completed C of O application form
Your Survey Plan
Passport photos
Deed of Assignment
Tax Clearance Certificate
Proof of application fee payment
Note: This process can take 6 months to over a year, depending on the state.
- If the land already has a C of O and you’re buying from the current owner:
You won’t get a new C of O. Instead, you need to apply for a Governor’s Consent. This confirms the government is aware of the sale and approves the transfer.
Steps to follow:
Prepare a Deed of Assignment between you and the seller
Stamp it at the Stamp Duties Office
Submit all documents to the Land Bureau
Pay the consent fee (based on the value of the land)
Once approved, you’re officially recognised as the new legal owner.
Important tip:
Before applying for any title, always verify the current status of the land with the Surveyor General and Land Registry. Never rely on just what the seller tells you.
Top Questions Buyers Ask (With Straight Answers)
These are the most common questions land buyers ask here’s what you need to know:
Q1: I have a receipt and a Deed of Assignment. Is that enough to claim ownership?
A: Not really. Those documents only prove that a transaction happened. The government won’t recognise you as the legal owner until you register the deed and apply for a Governor’s Consent or C of O.
Q2: The land has Excision but no Gazette or C of O. Should I buy it?
A: Be careful. Excision is only valid if it has been published in a Gazette. If not, the land is still under government control and could be taken back. Always confirm the excision status at the Land Bureau.
Q3: What if the land title is in court?
A: Stay away for now. If the land is under litigation, there’s legal uncertainty. Once a court gives judgment, that becomes the new root title, but even then, let a lawyer verify it before you go ahead.
Q4: Can a land have more than one title?
A: No. Land titles are like birth certificates—you only get one. A land might pass through different stages (Excision → Gazette → C of O → Governor’s Consent), but you won’t get more than one title at a time.
Q5: Someone is offering land with just a Registered Survey. Should I trust it?
A: A registered survey only shows location and size it’s not a title. You still need to check if the land is committed, excised, or under acquisition before buying.
Q6: Can I process my C of O myself, or do I need an agent?
A: Yes, you can but be ready for a lot of movement. The process involves multiple offices, documents, and follow-up. That’s why many people use a trusted real estate consultant or lawyer to handle it.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stop at Buying, Complete the Process
Buying land is a major step but your ownership isn’t fully secure until you’ve processed the right title in your name.
Whether it’s applying for Excision, getting a C of O, or securing Governor’s Consent, the process may take time, but it’s worth it. This is what protects your land from disputes, fraud, or loss in the future.
Here’s what to remember:
A receipt or survey isn’t enough.
Always verify before you apply.
Use a lawyer or trusted consultant to avoid costly delays or mistakes.
And most importantly, don’t leave your land undocumented.
This wraps up the series on Understanding Land Titles in Nigeria. If you’ve followed from Part 1, you now have the knowledge to ask the right questions, avoid risky deals, and take confident steps towards full land ownership.
Stay smart. Stay protected. And when in doubt verify.
