News
Understanding Property Titles and Documents in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Being a property owner in Nigeria is a big accomplishment and a wise investment.
But managing the complexity of property ownership necessitates a thorough comprehension of papers and property titles. These records are vital for preserving property rights since they act as official proof of ownership.
This article explores the several kinds of property titles and documents that are available in Nigeria, their significance, and the ways in which they support safe real estate transactions.
1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O):
A Certificate of Occupancy is perhaps the most crucial document when it comes to land ownership in Nigeria.
It is issued by the state government and serves as proof of ownership and the right to use the land for a specific purpose.
The process of obtaining a C of O involves the applicant submitting an application to the state government, which then conducts due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the claim to the land. Once issued, the C of O grants the holder exclusive rights to use and develop the land.
2. Deed of Assignment:
A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one party to another.
It typically outlines the details of the transfer, including the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and any conditions or considerations attached to the transfer. This document is crucial for formalizing the sale or transfer of property rights and should be duly executed and registered with the appropriate government authority to ensure its validity.
3. Deed of Conveyance:
Similar to a Deed of Assignment, a Deed of Conveyance is used to transfer ownership of property. However, unlike the Deed of Assignment, which is commonly used for the transfer of leasehold interests, the Deed of Conveyance is used for the transfer of freehold interests.
It is typically executed between the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee) and includes details such as the purchase price, description of the property, and any covenants or warranties.
4. Survey Plan:
A Survey Plan is a document that shows the accurate boundaries and measurements of a piece of land. It is prepared by a licensed surveyor and is essential for verifying the exact location and dimensions of a property.
A Survey Plan is often required during the process of obtaining a C of O or when transferring property ownership to ensure that there are no boundary disputes or encroachments.
5. Power of Attorney:
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on behalf of the property owner. It is commonly used in situations where the property owner is unable to handle their affairs due to illness, absence, or other reasons.
A Power of Attorney can be limited or general in scope, depending on the specific powers granted to the attorney-in-fact.
The Significance of Property Titles: Safeguarding Your InvestmentLegal Ownership:
Property titles serve as incontrovertible evidence of legal ownership.
They establish the rightful owner of the property and delineate the boundaries of their ownership rights. Without a valid title, one cannot claim ownership of a property, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and challenges regarding ownership.
Protection of Property Rights:
Property titles provide protection against encroachments and unauthorized claims to the property.
They offer a legal shield against potential disputes, ensuring that the owner’s rights are recognized and respected by others.
With a clear title, property owners can confidently assert their ownership rights and defend against any attempts to infringe upon them.
Without a valid title, one cannot claim ownership of a property, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and challenges regarding ownership.
Facilitation of Transactions:
Clear and valid property titles facilitate smooth and efficient real estate transactions. When buying or selling property, a clean title provides assurance to both parties that the transaction is legitimate and free from any encumbrances or defects. It instills confidence in buyers and lenders, making it easier to secure financing and close the deal.
Legal Certainty:
Property titles provide legal certainty by establishing a chain of ownership that can be traced back through time. They document the history of the property, including previous transfers of ownership, mortgages, liens, and other encumbrances.
This historical record ensures transparency and clarity regarding the property’s status, enabling informed decision-making by prospective buyers and lenders.Access to Legal Remedies:In the event of a dispute or legal challenge regarding property ownership, a valid title provides the basis for seeking legal remedies and resolution.
Property owners with clear titles can avail themselves of legal avenues to defend their rights and rectify any discrepancies or irregularities affecting their ownership.
This access to legal recourse is essential for protecting investments and preserving property rights.Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, property titles offer peace of mind to owners, knowing that their investment is secure and their ownership rights are legally recognized.
With a clear title in hand, property owners can confidently enjoy the benefits of homeownership, such as occupancy, development, and transferability, without fear of adverse claims or challenges.
The Implications of Not Acquiring Property Titles in Nigeria: Risks and Consequences
● Lack of Legal Ownership:
One of the most significant implications of not acquiring property titles is the lack of legal ownership. Without proper documentation, individuals cannot assert their ownership rights over the property, leaving them vulnerable to claims by other parties. This lack of legal ownership can lead to disputes, litigation, and the loss of investment in the property.
● Insecurity of Tenure:
Property titles provide security of tenure, guaranteeing the owner’s right to occupy and use the property without fear of eviction or interference. Without proper titles, individuals face uncertainty regarding their tenure, making them susceptible to arbitrary eviction or displacement by third parties claiming ownership rights. This insecurity of tenure can disrupt lives, businesses, and communities, leading to social and economic instability.
● Difficulty in Transacting:
Acquiring property titles is essential for facilitating real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, or leasing property. Without clear titles, individuals encounter difficulties in transacting, as potential buyers or lenders may be reluctant to engage in deals involving properties with uncertain ownership status. This can impede economic development and hinder investment in the real estate sector.
● Limited Access to Credit:
Property titles serve as collateral for obtaining loans and credit from financial institutions. Without proper titles, individuals have limited access to credit, as lenders are unwilling to accept properties with unclear ownership as collateral. This lack of access to credit hampers economic growth and development, as it constrains individuals’ ability to invest in property development and other productive ventures.
● Vulnerability to Fraud and Exploitation:
In the absence of property titles, individuals are vulnerable to fraud and exploitation by unscrupulous actors seeking to exploit their lack of legal protection. Fraudulent schemes such as land grabbing, forgery of documents, and illegal sales thrive in environments where property titles are not properly established. This exposes unsuspecting individuals to financial loss and legal entanglements.
● Legal and Regulatory Risks:
Failure to acquire property titles exposes individuals to legal and regulatory risks, as they may be in violation of laws and regulations governing property ownership and transactions. Government authorities may take enforcement actions against individuals occupying or developing property without proper titles, leading to fines, penalties, or even demolition of structures.
▪︎Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.
He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE.
For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041
News
Ekiti Airport targets 24-hour flight operation, says Gov Oyebanji

….Says Ekiti economy has improved significantly under his watch
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.
The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.
Governor Oyebanji who stated these on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.
The Governor said: “The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

“To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing.
There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather.
ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.
“We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport.

If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night. We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.
“The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December. Governor Oyebanji who said expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.
Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.
The Governor who disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.
He explained that his administration has not restricted development strides to only Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as it is being speculated in some quarters, noting that virtually all parts of the state including the rural areas have been touched.
He also expressed readiness to keep on working for the people of the state till his last day in office, stressing that he wont be distracted by on going politicking.
Speaking on the state of the treasury, Oyebanji said what the state government and local governments receive monthly are not hidden as they are published by the office of the Accountant General noting that they vary from one month to the other.
He emphasized that his administration does not tamper with the local government funds as the State House of Assembly has an enabling law with established the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) with the monies for the councils coming directly into the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
While noting that he does not get involved in how the funds are shared, the Governor pointed out that he only monitors the projects the council chairmen execute with the funds to ensure that they are in line with the needs of the people and they such projects are satisfactory.
News
Kogi State enforces ban on rallies, public gatherings amidst riding security concerns

In view of the growing security concerns in Kogi State, the government has announced a ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.
According to a statement on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo, the decision comes after reports of planned violent rallies disguised as political and religious agitations surfaced.
The Commissioner averred that the state government has taken proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the peace and security of the state.
Explaining further, Fanwo said “With recent incidents in various local government areas, including clashes in communities and tensions rising due to planned rallies, the government has deemed it necessary to implement stricter security measures.
“The ban on public gatherings includes suspending all fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area until peace is completely restored after recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives.
Additionally, security operatives have been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and implement the directive.
“Furthermore, in Ankpa Local Government Area, communal clashes between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala are threatening the peace in Kogi East. Security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.
“The ban on rallies and public gatherings applies to all individuals, groups, or organizations within the state until further notice. The government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to express themselves but emphasizes that security considerations must take precedence for public safety.
“The state government has also directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure the presence of duly accredited security agents.
“To ensure strict enforcement of these measures, the State Security Adviser has been tasked to work closely with all security agencies and maintain high alertness to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.
Fanwo added that the government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“With the Chief Servant of Kogi State leading efforts to protect lives and property and maintain peace and stability in the state, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.
The government reassures the public that any attempt to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State will be met with the full force of the law.
“By implementing these measures and collaborating with security agencies and community leaders, the Kogi State Government is committed to safeguarding the state and providing a safe environment for all residents” the statement added.
News
President Tinubu congratulates Jim Ovia on admission to the freedom of the city of London

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, on his admission to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.
Admission to the Freedom of the City of London is an honour bestowed on individuals for their service to the city or for their achievements.
In a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the honour as a fitting recognition for Mr Ovia’s exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.
“This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations.
As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”, the President stated.
President Tinubu commended Mr Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector and wished him continued success in his endeavours.
-
Crime2 days ago
Lynched Edo travellers: Governors move against reprisals as 16 slain hunters buried
-
News2 days ago
I nearly withdrew from 2023 presidential race -Tinubu
-
Sports2 days ago
Nigerian Boxer, Olanrewaju Dies in Boxing Ring
-
Business2 days ago
Dangote, Adenuga, Rabiu, Otedola remain on forbes Africa’s billionaires List
-
Business2 days ago
House Public Accounts Committee Recovers Additional $14 Million from Oil Companies
-
Sports1 day ago
UPDATE: How bankruptcy led Nigerian boxer to death in Ghana – NBBofC
-
News1 day ago
JUST IN: FG to shut Lagos’ Independence Bridge for two months
-
News1 day ago
Lagos communities decry water scarcity, demand govt intervention