This article will be helpful if you’re buying (or intend to) buy land in Lagos. Understanding title documents is NON-NEGOTIABLE. These papers determine the legitimacy, ownership, and security of your investment in Nigerian real estate.

Here are the most common land titles in Lagos you’ll come across:

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O):

Issued by the state government, this is one of the strongest proofs of ownership. It shows the land is legally allocated and not under government acquisition — a key part of safe land investment in Nigeria.

2. Gazette:

A Gazette confirms that land originally acquired by the government has been excised (released) to indigenous communities. If a land is gazette, it’s on its way to having a C of O. It’s important when considering affordable land in Lagos.

3. Excision:

If it’s hard to get to, most people won’t want to live there — yet. But if an area has a good road network or a new one under construction, that’s your cue. Property investment in Lagos thrives in connected communities.

4. Governor’s Consent:

If you’re buying land that already has a C of O, the transaction needs to be registered and approved by the Governor. Without it, the sale is not fully valid in legal terms. Every real estate investor in Lagos should know this.

Tip: Always conduct a land search at the Lagos State Land Registry before making payment. Do not allow anyone pressure you into make any form of payment. No document = no deal. This is crucial for secure property buying in Lagos.

At McDaniels, we help our clients avoid risky purchases by ensuring full title verification before every sale. Need help understanding a land title? Our experts are just a call away!

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