Complete list of documents you need to buy land in lagos

Buying land in Lagos can be a useful step – whether you plan to build a house, invest in the future, or start a commercial project. But while the opportunity is interesting, the process is not as easy as paying and getting a receipt. Lagos, such as many parts of Nigeria, has a strange legal and property documentation system, and understanding this system can be a difference between having your land and losing money from your efforts.

If you think about land ownership in this dynamic city, then knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos not only help – it’s important. These documents are the only shield of your law in the city where land disputes and many claims are too general.

Let’s destroy everything in a way that is easily understood.

First First thing: Why Documentation is Important

In Lagos, land ownership is often a labyrinth. There are family land, land obtained by the government, exiled land, and committed land. Many buyers find themselves entangled in court cases or financial losses just because they do not know what letters must be requested. The document provides the structure and legality of your land transaction. Without them, your ownership is very shaky and cheating the worst.

Now let’s walk through the main documents that you must check – and get – before buying land at Lagos.

Survey plan

This is the starting point. The survey plan shows the location and measurement of the right land. This tells you where the land is and how big it is. More importantly, this helps confirm whether the land is in the area obtained by the government or committed. The land obtained by the government is forbidden unless the land has been officially released (exiled). The verified survey plan will also tell you whether the land has been registered before.

To be on a safe side, always bring a survey plan to a registered surveyor or Lagos General Surveyor Office to map. That way, you know you don’t buy problems.

Assignment deed

When the land changes hands – from the seller to the buyer – the assignment deed is what captures the transfer. This document states the details of the transaction: who sells it, who buys it, land size, location, and sales provisions. It also must show the history of ownership – how the seller comes to own land in the first place.

This document is legally strong and must be prepared by property lawyers. After signing, it must be submitted for the Governor’s approval, which we will explain immediately. Assignment deed without proper registration such as buying a car and not transferring paper – Ownership can be easily debated.

Residential Certificate (CO)

Now, this is one of the most talked about property documents in Lagos. Residential certificates, often called “CO,” are proof that the government officially recognizes the right of a person to occupy a plot of land for 99 years. If a land has a CO, it means that the land is entitled and recognized by the Lagos state government.

Not all land has this document, and that does not always mean illegal – but buying land with a valid C of O is the safest route. This reduces the risk of government interference in the future and makes loans or build consent easier. However, it is important to confirm that C from O is truly owned by the land you buy. Cross -check with the Ministry of Land to ensure.

Governor’s approval

This one often confuses people. If the land already has CO and sold to others, new buyers must get the Governor’s approval. Why? Because under Nigerian land law, there is no land transaction that is considered entirely legal without the approval of the Governor of the State.

The governor’s approval is not an ordinary formality – that is a legal requirement. Without it, sales remain incomplete in the eyes of the law. This is part of what changes your assignment deed into a completely recognized document.

The Gazette

Now, not all land in Lagos was initially free from government acquisition. Some were acquired by the government but were then released to the original land owner – often the community – through formal processes. When this happened, this release was published in an official record called A Gazette.

A Gazette shows that the land has been exiled, meaning that it is no longer under government acquisition and can now be owned and sold legally. If the land you plan to buy in this category, ask for sheets and verification. Buying land with a valid sheet is better than buying land without anything, but still not as star with c o.

Receipt

Yes, it sounds basic, but the receipt of purchases is also important. This shows that money has exchanged hands and helped track the financial side of the transaction. This includes the purchase date, the amount paid, the names of both parties, and land description.

Even though receipts don’t mean you now have land, it completes your other documents – especially the assignment deed.

Sales contract

This is sometimes prepared before the assignment deed. This outlines the agreement between the two parties before the land was officially transferred. Think of it as a promise document for sale. This usually describes payment provisions (for example, installments), schedules, and other sales provisions.

This is useful in cases where payments are staggered from time to time or where buyers need several months to perfect the document. However, this is not a substitute for the assignment deed.

Family or community approval (if it’s a family land)

If you buy land from a family or community-which is still common in Lagos-you must get approval from all major family members or the head of the land owner community. This is very important. If only one person is a sign and the other then disagrees, your ownership can be challenged.

Many people find themselves fighting against “Omo Onile” (Tut Land or Family Prosecutor) just because they do not get the approval of a decent family or community. Make sure family resolution or legal confirmation is obtained.

Government Allocation Letter (for government schemes)

If you buy land from a government housing scheme or state -owned development, you will receive a government allocation letter. This letter gives land to you and states the requirements where you can occupy it.

This letter usually comes before CO is issued, and this is your first legal proof of land allocation. This is very common in places such as Lekki and regions developed by other governments in Lagos.

Conclusion: Don’t just buy land – buy peace of mind

Buying land in Lagos is a serious investment. And while the market is full of promises, it is also full of traps. Knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos can help you avoid hurt and financial loss. Whether you buy land with CO, sheets, or through an assignment deed, make sure everything is checked, verified, and registered correctly.

Don’t just depend on what the seller says. Involve professionals – real estate lawyers, surveyors, and agents who understand the field of lagos. Always confirm documents from Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash offers without documents. The right document protects your ownership today and in the future.

If you doubt, ask questions. And if you are serious about doing it correctly, contact someone who knows the lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, yeah … I.

By: Dennis Isong

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