If you are buying land or property in Nigeria, you will often hear terms like C of O, Governor’s Consent, and Deed of Assignment. For many buyers—especially first-time buyers—these terms can be confusing and intimidating.
Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of these documents has caused many people to lose money or buy property with serious legal problems.
In this guide, we explain C of O, Governor’s Consent, and Deed of Assignment in simple terms, why they matter, and how they protect you when buying property in Nigeria.
Why Property Documents Are Very Important in Nigeria
In Nigeria, owning land or property is not just about payment—it is about legal documentation. Without proper documents, you may not truly own the property, even if you have paid in full.
Good documentation:
-
Confirms legal ownership
-
Protects you from land disputes
-
Prevents government takeover
-
Increases property value
-
Makes resale easier
Understanding these documents helps you make safe and informed property decisions.
What Is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is a legal document issued by the state government that proves a person has the right to own and use a piece of land for a specific period (usually 99 years).
Simply Put:
A C of O shows that the government recognizes and approves your ownership of the land.
Why a C of O Is Important
-
Confirms land is legally recognized
-
Reduces the risk of government acquisition
-
Increases property value
-
Makes land easier to sell or use as collateral
Things to Know About C of O
-
Not all lands have a C of O
-
Processing a C of O takes time
-
Some lands may have excision instead of C of O
Always verify the authenticity of a C of O before buying any property.
What Is Governor’s Consent?
Governor’s Consent is a legal approval from the state governor that allows the transfer of land ownership from one person to another.
In Nigeria, all land belongs to the government, so whenever land is sold, the governor must approve the transfer.
Simply Put:
Governor’s Consent means the government has approved the change of ownership.
Why Governor’s Consent Is Important
-
Makes ownership transfer legal
-
Protects the buyer from ownership disputes
-
Ensures the land transaction is recognized by the government
When Is Governor’s Consent Required?
-
When buying land or property with an existing title
-
When ownership changes from one person to another
Without Governor’s Consent, your ownership may not be legally secure.
What Is a Deed of Assignment?
A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership of land or property from the seller to the buyer.
Simply Put:
A Deed of Assignment is the written agreement that proves the seller has transferred the property to you.
Why a Deed of Assignment Is Important
-
Serves as proof of ownership transfer
-
Required for processing Governor’s Consent
-
Protects both buyer and seller legally
What a Deed of Assignment Should Contain
-
Names of buyer and seller
-
Description and location of the property
-
Purchase price
-
Date of transfer
-
Signatures of both parties
A lawyer should prepare and review this document.
The Difference Between C of O, Governor’s Consent & Deed of Assignment
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| C of O | Confirms government-recognized ownership |
| Governor’s Consent | Approves transfer of ownership |
| Deed of Assignment | Transfers ownership from seller to buyer |
All three documents work together to secure your property rights.
Which Document Is Most Important?
There is no single “most important” document. Each plays a unique role:
-
C of O confirms government recognition
-
Deed of Assignment transfers ownership
-
Governor’s Consent legalizes the transfer
A property transaction is safest when all required documents are properly processed and verified.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Property Documents
Many buyers make costly mistakes such as:
-
Buying land without verifying documents
-
Assuming receipts are enough
-
Not processing Governor’s Consent
-
Using unqualified agents or lawyers
-
Rushing into payment
These mistakes can lead to legal battles or loss of property.
How Estate Informant Helps You Stay Safe
At Estate Informant, we guide clients through every stage of property documentation. We help buyers understand:
-
Which documents a property should have
-
How to verify land titles
-
When and how to process Governor’s Consent
-
How to avoid risky property deals
Our goal is to help you make safe and informed property decisions in Nigeria.
Understanding C of O, Governor’s Consent, and Deed of Assignment is essential for anyone buying property in Nigeria. These documents are not just paperwork—they are what truly secure your ownership.
If you are unsure about any property document, never proceed without professional advice.
Join The Discussion