By Dozek Group Real Estate Limited
Introduction
Buying property in Nigeria is one of the most rewarding financial decisions you can make. However, before you commit to any real estate purchase, there’s one crucial factor you must understand land titles. This single element determines whether your ownership is legally recognized or vulnerable to future disputes. Unfortunately, many investors overlook it, focusing only on price and location. Yet, the truth is that even the most beautiful property is worthless without the right documentation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about land titles in Nigeria what they mean, the types you should look out for, and how to ensure your next purchase, like The Hamlet Apartments by Dozek Group, comes with complete peace of mind.
Why Land Titles Matter in Nigerian Real Estate
Buying property in Nigeria is one of the smartest financial decisions anyone can make, but it is also one of the riskiest if you are not properly informed. Among the most important things every buyer must understand whether you are purchasing land, an apartment, a duplex, or an investment property is the land title tied to that property.
Land titles determine the legality of your ownership, your ability to build, your eligibility for bank financing, and even your ability to resell in the future. In Lagos especially, where land disputes, fraudulent sales, and multiple ownership claims are common, understanding land titles is no longer optional. It is a crucial part of due diligence that protects your money, your future, and your peace of mind. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about land titles in Nigeria so you can buy confidently, safely, and strategically.
For example, when investing in The Hamlet Apartments, you are not just buying into premium design and architecture you are buying into security of ownership, backed by legitimate documentation and government approval. Dozek Group ensures that every development we deliver stands on verified and properly titled land, giving our clients full confidence in their investment.
The Common Types of Land Titles in Nigeria
A land title is the legal document that confirms who truly owns a property and what the property can be used for. It is the foundation upon which every real estate transaction stands. Without the right land title, a property may be at risk of government acquisition, double allocation, litigation, or longstanding disputes. Many people lose millions because they rely on verbal assurances, unverified documents, or outdated paperwork. The truth is simple: the value, safety, and future potential of any property is directly linked to the strength of its land title.
There are several types of land titles recognized by law in Nigeria, each carrying different levels of security and ownership rights. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions before you buy.
1:Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) The Most Recognized Land Title
This is one of the most recognized titles in Nigeria. Issued by the state government. A Certificate of Occupancy, commonly called a C of O, is one of the most powerful land titles you can have in Nigeria. It is issued by the state government and confirms a person’s right to occupy a property for 99 years. It prevents land from being taken over unexpectedly and assures banks, investors, and future buyers that the property is legitimate. Properties with a C of O often cost more because they carry lower risk and higher long-term protection. Many premium neighborhoods in Lagos such as parts of Lekki, Ikate, Ikoyi, and Ajah rely heavily on C of O titles to maintain investor confidence.
2:. Governor’s Consent Essential for Any Transferred Property
When a property that already has a C of O is sold to a new owner, the new buyer must obtain Governor’s Consent. This consent validates the transfer of ownership from the previous owner to the new one. Without Governor’s Consent, the transfer is incomplete and legally vulnerable. Many properties in Lagos fall under this category, especially resale properties or second-hand lands. Governor’s Consent ensures that your purchase is recognized by the government and prevents future disputes.
3:Deed of Assignment: Proof of Transaction Between Buyer and Seller
A Deed of Assignment is the legal document that transfers ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It outlines the details of the transaction, including names, description of the land, agreed price, date of transfer, and duration of ownership. No real estate purchase is complete without a properly executed and registered Deed of Assignment. It is the document that proves you legally acquired the property and is often required when processing Governor’s Consent.
4: Excision: What It Means and Why It Matters
Excision is a government process that officially releases land back to indigenous families or communities. Once a land is excised, it becomes free from government acquisition and safe for buyers but only after proper documentation. Many areas around Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, and Ajah have excised lands, making them attractive options for investors looking for fast-growing locations. However, buyers must confirm that the excision is recorded in the Lagos State Gazette before making any financial commitment.
5: Gazette: Proof That Land Is Free and Safe
A Gazette is an official government publication that documents excised lands. When a land appears in the Gazette, it means it is no longer under government control and is officially safe to buy. It serves as a powerful legal backing for excised land. Investors who purchase land with Gazette documentation enjoy lower risk and clearer ownership rights, making such lands ideal for residential development, long-term investment, or future resale.
6:Deed of Lease: Common in Government or Corporate Properties
A Deed of Lease is used when the government or a corporation owns the land and leases it out to individuals or developers for a specific number of years often 99 years. Some estates in Lagos operate under leasehold agreements rather than outright purchase. Understanding this document is essential so buyers are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and renewal timelines.
7:Right of Occupancy (R of O): Another Form of Government-Granted Title
A Right of Occupancy can be granted by the federal or state government and gives a person the right to occupy land for a specified period. It is recognized but often less preferred compared to a C of O because it may require additional verification or conversions to upgrade its status. Buyers still need to conduct thorough checks to confirm validity.
8:Survey Plan: The Map That Shows Exactly What You Are Buying
A Survey Plan outlines the exact dimensions, boundaries, and location of the property. It prevents boundary disputes and helps verify whether the land falls under government acquisition or within a free zone. A proper survey must be charted at the Surveyor General’s Office to ensure the land is not zoned for road expansion, drainage, or future government development.
9:Family Land: Attractive but Risky Without Proper Verification
Many lands in Lagos are owned by families, especially in areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Ajah, and parts of Lekki. While these lands can be affordable and strategically located, they require extreme caution. Buyers must confirm that the family has the legal right to sell, that the land is not part of an ongoing dispute, and that a proper Deed of Assignment will be issued. Family land is only safe when processed by reputable developers like Dozek Group who secure proper titles before selling to the public.
How to Verify a Land Title Before Buying
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that all documents presented are genuine. In reality, there are many fake or incomplete land titles in circulation. Before you buy any property, it’s essential to verify the title at the State Land Registry. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Request a copy of the property’s title document from the seller or developer.
2. Engage a professional lawyer or real estate consultant to verify it with the appropriate government agency.
3. Confirm the document’s registration number, land size, and ownership details match what’s advertised.
4. If you’re purchasing from a reputable developer like Dozek Group, you can rest assured that all titles are pre-verified and legally secure.
The Hamlet Apartments, for instance, exemplifies this transparency. Every unit within the project comes with clear, verified documentation a hallmark of Dozek Group’s integrity and commitment to client satisfaction.
Conclusion
Why Land Titles Must Never Be Ignored
The safest real estate investments in Nigeria are those backed by strong, verified, government-recognized land titles. Ignoring this crucial step can lead to loss of money, legal battles, demolition, or total loss of property rights. That is why reputable companies like Dozek Group prioritize due diligence, transparency, and proper documentation for every development we undertake.
From Lekki to Ikoyi to Ajah, our properties are built on secure titles that protect your investment today and guarantee future value tomorrow. When you understand land titles, you not only buy land you buy peace of mind, long-term security, and the confidence that your real estate asset is truly yours.
Ready to invest in a secure, appreciating asset with real value?
✨ Explore Hamlet Apartments where smart investors find lasting wealth.
📞 Contact Dozek Group today to schedule a viewing or begin your investment journey.
