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Understanding the Types of Certificates of Occupancy in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is a crucial legal document that establishes the right of an individual or entity to possess and utilize a piece of land in Nigeria.
This document plays a pivotal role in the country’s land tenure system, and there are various types of Certificates of Occupancy, each with its unique features and implications.
The Statutory Right of Occupancy is one of the most common types of C of O in Nigeria. It is issued under the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests all lands in the country in the government. Individuals or entities seeking to acquire land must apply for this type of C of O.
The government grants the statutory right of occupancy for a specified term, typically 99 years, and the landholder is expected to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the document.
- Statutory Right of Occupancy:
- Customary Right of Occupancy:
In areas where customary land tenure systems prevail, the Customary Right of Occupancy is applicable. This type of C of O recognizes and formalizes land rights based on customary practices. It is crucial for individuals to adhere to the customary rules of the community to obtain and maintain this right of occupancy. The Customary Right of Occupancy provides a legal framework for land ownership within the context of local customs and traditions.
- Deemed Grant:
The Deemed Grant of C of O occurs when an individual or entity has been in continuous and undisturbed possession of land for an extended period, typically 12 years.
In such cases, the law deems the government to have granted the occupier the right to the land. However, the conditions for a Deemed Grant vary, and it is essential for individuals to consult legal professionals to ensure compliance.
- Rural Certificate of Occupancy:
Specifically designed for rural areas, the Rural Certificate of Occupancy is a form of land title that aims to encourage agricultural and rural development.
It provides a legal basis for individuals to engage in agricultural activities and other developments in rural settings. The conditions for obtaining this type of C of O often involve demonstrating a commitment to rural development projects.
Challenges and Considerations:
While Certificates of Occupancy provide a legal framework for land ownership in Nigeria, there are challenges and considerations that individuals should be aware of.
Delays in the issuance of C of O, bureaucratic processes, and disputes over land ownership are common issues that can arise. It is crucial for individuals to navigate these challenges by seeking legal advice, conducting due diligence, and engaging with the appropriate land authorities.
Legal Compliance:
Compliance with the conditions outlined in the Certificate of Occupancy is paramount. Failure to adhere to the terms and obligations specified in the document can lead to revocation of the C of O. Regular inspections and assessments by relevant authorities may occur, underscoring the importance of continuous compliance.
Certificates of Occupancy in Nigeria are instrumental in securing land rights and fostering responsible land use
Land Use Planning:
Certificates of Occupancy are also closely tied to land use planning. Zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and adherence to development plans are integral aspects that landholders must take into account. It is essential to ensure that any development on the land aligns with the stipulations set forth in the C of O and local planning regulations.
Professional Assistance:
Given the complexity of land laws and the potential challenges in the process, individuals are strongly advised to seek professional assistance. Legal experts specializing in real estate and land matters can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and potential pitfalls are avoided.
Future Developments:
The landscape of land tenure in Nigeria may undergo changes with evolving legislation and policies. Staying informed about any amendments to land laws and government policies is crucial for individuals holding Certificates of Occupancy. Adapting to these changes will help protect landholders’ rights and interests over time.
Certificates of Occupancy in Nigeria are instrumental in securing land rights and fostering responsible land use. However, navigating the complexities of the land tenure system requires diligence, compliance, and a proactive approach. Whether acquiring a Statutory Right of Occupancy, adhering to Customary Land practices, or benefiting from a Deemed Grant, individuals should be aware of the challenges and considerations involved. Seeking professional assistance and staying informed about legal developments will contribute to a secure and sustainable land ownership experience in Nigeria.
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JUST IN: Filling stations shut after Dangote Refinery’s petrol price drop

Some filling stations and petroleum products marketers, partners of Dangote Refinery’s petrol, temporarily shut down for the past five days after the latest premium motor spirit price drop by the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.
Recall that for the past five days, MRS filling stations in Abuja, along Kubwa Expressway, and others have not dispensed fuel since Dangote Refinery announced its ex-depot fuel price reduction to N835 per litre on Tuesday, 16 April, 2025.
An official of MRS filling station, who preferred anonymity because he is not authorised to speak said the filling station is grappling with the loss incurred after Dangote’s latest price adjustment.
“It is because of Dangote’s latest price drop. The filling station had old stock, which it couldn’t sell at a loss.
“This is the reason we have shut down since Tuesday. We may reopen on Tuesday,” he said.
Meanwhile, another official at the filling station said the retail outlet is billed to reopen on Tuesday, noting that it has been undergoing minor maintenance.
“We have been on maintenance for the past few days, which is the reason the station was shut. We will reopen on Tuesday,” he said.
According to him, the filling station would commence dispensing at the new price of N910 per litre from Tuesday.
Other partners of Dangote Refinery, such as AP, Ardova, and Optima, are dispensing fuel between N910 and 920 per litre in parts of Abuja as of Monday, 21st April 2025.
Reacting to the development, the National President of Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the latest fuel price drop affected the purchasing power of petrol retailers and marketers.
According to him, indiscriminate price adjustment, whether downward or upward, is not good for the petroleum downstream sector and the Nigerian economy.
At every point, if prices of petrol are indiscriminately changed without any clearly defined economic reason, the chances that it will impact on the buying power of retailers and marketers are there.
“It is not good for business, the economy, and Nigerians.
“Prices of petrol change for reasons that are understandable with proper information to retailers,” he said.
Recall that Gillis-Harry had earlier called for a six-month fuel price stability plan to halt fluctuations.
Earlier, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, had hinted that marketers having old stocks of fuel will incur billions of losses following Dangote’s latest fuel price drop.
Last week became the second time the $20 billion refinery reduced its fuel price nationwide. This indicates a combined downward ex-depot price drop of N45 per litre.
Dangote Refinery had, on 10 April, reduced its gantry price of petrol to N865 per litre.
However, the ex-depot fuel price had further dropped to N835 per litre.
This comes after the federal government’s renewed commitment to the indefinite continuation of the naira-for-crude deal with other local refiners and the drop in global crude prices to around $66 per barrel.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently reduced its retail price to N935 per litre for customers in Abuja in response to Dangote Refinery’s latest price cut.
This means that Nigerians currently buy petrol at between N890 and N950 per litre, depending on the location nationwide.
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NNPC’s Olufemi Soneye Emerges NIPR Spokesperson for 2025
Responding, Soneye attributed his recognition by the NIPR with its most exalted spokesperson’s award to the dedication of the entire team at the NNPC.

Soneye (middle) receive NIPR’s prestigious award .
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Olufemi Soneye, has emerged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) spokesperson of 2025.Announcing the award, the NIPR described Soneye as a “diligent” spokesperson, characterising him as “a strategist.” Soneye’s capacity to shape public opinion, also stood him out of the crowd of spokespersons, according to the Adjudication Committee, Chairman, Dr. Shaibu Hussein.
Represented by a member of the committee chairman, Lami Tuiaka, the chairman said the moment to the conclusion of the award was rigorous and demanding. He also predicated Soneye’s victory on his communication skills, crisis management and overall impact.
“Our committee comprising communication scholars, Public Relations practitioners, and media personalities worked tirelessly to review the nomination, assess performances and deliberate on the winner.
I must report that we carefully examined each nomination, considering factors such as communication skills, crisis management and overall impact,” he said.
Presenting him the plaque at the National Spokespersons Award 2025, chairman of the event Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon. Joshua Audu, said the institute would celebrate Soneye throughout 2025 as the current NIPR spokesperson award winner.
He said: ” On behalf of the NIPR Award Night 2025, I have the honour and privilege to present the Spokesperson of the year 2025. Please join me to celebrate our latest spokesperson that we will celebrate throughout 2025 in the person of Olufemi Soneye.”
Responding, Soneye attributed his recognition by the NIPR with its most exalted spokesperson’s award to the dedication of the entire team at the NNPC.
Amid a standing ovation, he said: “We are all happy and I am deeply honoured to receive this award tonight from NIPR. This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and we want to thank NIPR for all they have been doing.”
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Mission to boldly grow food in space labs blasts off
ESA is funding the research to explore new ways of reducing the cost of feeding an astronaut, which can cost up to £20,000 per day.

Artwork: The experiment will orbit the Earth for three hours before returning to Earth and splashing down off the coast of Portugal.
(BBC): Steak, mashed potatoes and deserts for astronauts could soon be grown from individual cells in space if an experiment launched into orbit today is successful.
A European Space Agency (ESA) project is assessing the viability of growing so-called lab-grown food in the low gravity and higher radiation in orbit and on other worlds.
ESA is funding the research to explore new ways of reducing the cost of feeding an astronaut, which can cost up to £20,000 per day.
The team involved say the experiment is a first step to developing a small pilot food production plant on the International Space Station in two years’ time.
Lab-grown food will be essential if Nasa’s objective of making humanity a multi-planetary species were to be realised, claims Dr Aqeel Shamsul, CEO and founder of Bedford-based Frontier Space, which is developing the concept with researchers at Imperial College, London.
“Our dream is to have factories in orbit and on the Moon,” he told BBC News.
“We need to build manufacturing facilities off world if we are to provide the infrastructure to enable humans to live and work in space”.
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