Are you a landowner who is unsure of how to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria? Or do you find the process confusing and time-consuming?

The certificate of occupancy is an important document that legally confirms your rights to a piece of land. Without it, you risk disputes over ownership or challenges in developing your property.

Keep reading to learn how to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria and its benefits.

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Key Takeaway

• Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document that proves that an individual owns a property or piece of land.
• Before applying for a C of O, you’d have to carry out a survey. This is needed to ensure that your land size and boundaries are documented.
• Having a C Of O protects you from losing your property unfairly.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of occupancy, commonly known as a C of O, is a legal document that proves an individual owns property or land.

This document is usually valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on where you live. After one year of validity, it must be renewed.

However, before that happens, an inspector will check your property to ensure it meets safety and building rules.

A Comprehensive Guide On How To Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy In Nigeria

Having a certificate of occupancy is important for land or property owners. Without it, the government can seize your land or property at any time.

When looking to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria, there are some basic steps to follow.

Below is a step-by-step guide for you:

• Apply for a registered survey
• Submission of application form
• Receipt of acknowledgment
• Issuing of letter of allocation
• Payment of the allocated land
• Approval letter
• Certificate of Occupancy processing
• Signing and printing of the certificate of occupancy
• Issuing of the certificate of occupancy

1. How To Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria: Apply For a Registered Survey

The first step in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria is to secure a registered survey of your land. This process involves mapping the boundaries and ensuring the property is accurately documented.

Below are steps to apply for a registered survey:

• Hire a Licensed Surveyor: Engage the services of a licensed surveyor registered with the appropriate state or federal authority. Also, confirm that the surveyor has experience and a good track record.
• Conduct a Site Visit: After your meeting with the surveyor, you must conduct a site visit. During the site visit, the surveyor will measure and map the land’s boundaries using specialized equipment.

• Prepare the Survey Plan: The surveyor will prepare a survey plan based on observation. This plan usually contains details such as the plot number, block number, and other relevant information.
• Submit the Survey Plan: Once the plan is ready, it has to be submitted to the state government land authority alongside the application for the certificate of occupancy.

2. Submission of Application Form

The next step in obtaining a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria is submitting the application form. You can find this form at the land registry or the Ministry of Land and Urban Development.

This form is needed when you apply for your C of O. It’s important to note that it can’t be obtained anywhere. It has to be obtained in the area where your land is located.

Also, when submitting the application form, the following documents are also needed:

• Tax clearance
• Three passports photograph
• Survey plan
• The official receipt for the application form.

3. Receipt of Acknowledgement

Once you submit the application form, you’ll receive a receipt. This receipt serves as evidence that the authorities have acknowledged your submission.

On the receipt, you’ll find the application number, submission date, and other relevant details.

4. Issuing of Letter of Allocation

When you apply for a plot of land, the authorities will review your application. If everything is okay, they’ll send you a special letter called a Letter of Allocation.

This letter will tell you:

• Where your land is located
• The plot number (like an address for your land)
• How big your land is

But, sometimes, there might be a problem. If more than one person says they own the land, the authorities will check to confirm who really owns it.

As this process is ongoing, you won’t be issued a letter till the land ownership is confirmed.

5. Payment For the Allocated Land: Important Step When Learning How To Obtain Certificate of Occupancy

When thinking of how to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria, prepare to pay some fees. These fees are usually required after you’ve received your allocation letter. The payment has to be made in less than 90 days.

6. Approval Letter

Once the payment is completed, an approval letter is sent to the applicant. This letter is only issued after all verification has been made.

7. Certificate of Occupancy Processing

At this stage, the scheme officer reviews and signs the application file for the Certificate of Occupancy. Then it is sent to the executive secretary of the Land Use Allocation Commission (LUAC). This step usually takes about 5 days.

After the file is signed, the executive secretary approves the application and signs a letter of allocation (a document that assigns the land or property to the applicant). Finally, the file is reviewed by the governor’s special assistant.

8. Issuing the Certificate of Occupancy

After the governor has signed and stamped the documents, they will be registered and documented for future reference. Each applicant will be contacted to collect their certificates.

Why Should I Have a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria

Knowing how to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria is important because of the many benefits it provides. Some of these benefits include:

1. Protection Against Government Confiscation

Having a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria protects you from losing your property unfairly. It stops the government from taking your land or building without a good reason.

2. Ownership Verification

Obtaining a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria confirms a person’s rightful property ownership. The C of O is a legal barrier that prevents land disputes.

3. Property Development

It helps property developers obtain permission from the government. The document confirms that the land is legally owned and can be developed.

4. Simplify Transaction Process

When buying or selling land, the certificate of occupancy gives the buyer an assurance of legal ownership. It’s also very necessary for securing mortgages and loans from banks.

5. Access to Infrastructure

Obtaining a certificate of occupancy gives you access to infrastructure like light, water, and sewage. These services may be restricted to those without a certificate of occupancy.

6. Easy Access to Obtaining Building Permits

A certificate of occupancy is often required to obtain a building permit. With it, renovating or adding to the property is easier.

Conclusion on How To Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

All landowners must obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria. It provides the individual with legal ownership and the right to use the land as you please.

Now that you know how to obtain a certificate of occupancy in Nigeria, take the necessary steps to secure your property legally.

Frequently Asked Questions on How To Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria

1. How Long Does Getting a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria take?

There is no specific duration. It depends on how quickly you can provide the required documents and make payments.

2. What is the Difference Between a Certificate of Occupancy and a Deed of Assignment?

A certificate of occupancy is the certified and legal right to land ownership. A deed of assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

3. What is the Difference Between a Right of Occupancy (R of O) and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?

The right of occupancy is an invitation to use a piece of land, while the certificate of occupancy is the legal title that establishes ownership of that piece of land.