DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A C of O (CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY) AND GOVERNOR’S CONSENT (REGISTERED DEED OF ASSIGNMENT)

In one of our previous articles Land titles, we highlighted some of the titles that cover landed properties/ real estate assets in Nigeria,. In this article, we would be focusing on two of the most popular land tiles most Nigerians are familiar with, either by handling or just hearing about them. We would explain in details what each of the title documents is, what they are not and also share images, as well as describing the differences between these two title documents.

WHAT IS A C of O (CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?)

A Certificate of Occupancy is an authorization document issued by the State Governor/Government (as the case in Nigeria) to an individual, groups of individuals or an entity conferring the right of occupancy of a particular property clearly defined by its location size and a term of 99 years.

 

WHO CAN ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?

The Land Use Act of 1978 unified the land tenure system in Nigeria and empowers by virtue of Section 9(1) the Governor of every state in Nigeria (the Minister of FCT for Abuja) to issue a Certificate of Occupancy under his hand in evidence of a right of occupancy.  Hence, it is important to state that only the serving/incumbent State Governor can issue this certificate having acted in line with Sections 5, 9 and 10 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which confers the power and dominion of state land into the hands of the State governor.

WHO CAN BE ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?

The Constitution of Nigeria provides that every citizen of Nigeria has a right to acquire and own immovable property in Nigeria. There is no discrimination in terms of sex, name, ethnicity, and religion on issuance of this certificate to any person(s) provided the applicant meets the requirement.  For anyone to be issued with a certificate of occupancy such a person must apply through the lands bureau of the state and proper documentations must be filed, screened, survey plan submitted, before the lands bureau would make recommendations to the Governor to sign the Certificate of Occupancy. Application is not automatic, as applicant must meet requirement before being entitled to the issuance

UNDER WHAT GRANT CAN A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY BE ISSUED?

The Land Use Act does not nullify any interest in the land prior to the Act. Under the Land Use Act 1978, there are two types of rights of occupancy recognized by the Act. These comprises Statutory right of occupancy and Customary right of occupancy. Both Statutory right of occupancy and Customary right of occupancy are of two classifications. The first is the Statutory right of occupancy granted by the State Governor pursuant to Section 5(1). The second classification is the Statutory right of occupancy deemed to have been granted by the State Governor pursuant to Section 34(2) In both cases of Statutory and Customary rights of occupancy, therefore, there exist an actual grant as well as a deemed grant.

ON WHICH LAND CAN A C of O BE ISSUED?

It must be emphasized without equivocation that no land can have two Certificates of Occupancy. If there exist two on a single land, one must be a fake document or issued in error due to deception of the government. We have seen circumstances like this before, which were settled in the court

A certificate of Occupancy after the 1978 Land Use Act should be the first document to be issued on a land that has never been registered at the lands registry, whether developed, brown field or green field. i.e there is no document on the land traceable to the land registry. Such land must be charted at the office of the Surveyor General of the state and Surveyor General of the federation (on federal land) to determine:

  1. If it is free from Government Acquisition
  2. If it is under acquisition is it committed or ratiafiable?

If the land is free from acquisition or falls under ratifiable land, the beneficiary of the land/applicant for the Certificate of Occupancy can then apply formally to the state Government, submitting requisite documents, and pay government fees for the issuance of the C of O on the unregistered land.

If the land is under government acquisition and also committed (non ratifiable) such applicant will not be issued a C of O

Note:  C of O would only be issued if there is no record with the land registry about the land and no form of title has ever been issued Land Certificate, Conveyance or C of O on that particular land before the present application.

CAN A C OF O BE VOIDED, REVOKED AND CANCELLED?

The Land Use Act that states how the C of O can be granted also provides grounds under which the C of O can be revoked.  The Certificate of Occupancy would clearly state the terms and conditions of the grant and where the holder of such certificate of occupancy fails to comply with the stated terms, the certificate of occupancy could be revoked or the holder may be penalized. Under Section 28 of the Land Use Act, the power of revocation of a right of occupancy is provided

There is a caveat in the C of O about the root of title. If after issuing the C of O, the root of title is found to be defective, the C of O can become null and void. Similarly, there are decided cases against an existing C of O where it was established that the root of obtaining the C of O were defective. One of such is JOSHUA OGUNLEYE v. BABATAYO ONI which was resolved in the Supreme Court., despite the plaintiff having a C of O; he still lost the land due to defective root of title.

WITH A C OF O, AM I THE OWNER OF THE LAND IN PERPETUITY?

It is important to state unequivocally that the concept of ownership of the land in absoluteness does not apply to land in Nigeria anymore since the commencement of the Land Use Act. For you to sell any land from 1978 to date, you require the consent of the Governor of that state. Hence, you do not own the land in perpetuity. In fact what you given is the statutory right to occupy and use subject land the specific use the Governor says you can use the land for. A certificate of occupancy is granted for a term of 99 years and can be renewed if the Governor wishes after expiration. Unlike your car and your other no real estate assets that you can dispose as you so wish without the consent of anyone, the reverse is the case for land, as ownership is vested into the state Governor.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 99 YEARS LEASE STATED IN THE C OF O EXPIRES?

This is another question many would have at the back of their minds in view of the fact that the C of O confirms the Governor as the perpetual owner of the land, while the holder of the C of O is an occupier for 99 years only.

Simple answer is that, the incumbent governor at the time of expiration can either renew the lease for another 99 years in consideration for payment or decide not to.

IF I HAVE A DEED OF ASSIGNMENT, DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY FOR A C OF O?

It depends entirely on the status of your deed of assignment. A deed of assignment that is executed by parties in the agreement needs to be registered. A registered deed of assignment is what is known in Nigeria as ‘Governor’s Consent’

As posited in this article, landed property is different from any other kind of asset that can be alienated at the discretion of the owner. In a case of land, no one can sell land, mortgage, transfer possession, sub-lease, or otherwise without the consent of the Governor. Hence, after selling a land, a deed of assignment is executed between the buyer (assignee) and the seller (assignor). The buyer must now take a step further by registering the assignment for it to be known as Governor’s Consent or registered Deed of Assignment.

In response to the question on whether a C of O is required. A registered Deed of Assignment or Governor’s Consent would most likely derive its title from an existing C of O, through an assignment. Hence, a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued to a holder of a Governor’s Consent on the same land.

In a situation where your deed of assignment is not registered at the land registry, it is the root of title of the assignor that would determine whether you are to be given a fresh C of O or you would only be required to register the deed of assignment. This is further explained below

WHAT IS GOVERNOR’S CONSENT (REGISTERED DEED OF ASSIGNMENT?)

We are used to the term ‘Governor’s Consent’ and not many understand what it means. At times you ask people for the title document covering a land and you hear responses like ‘the property has a ‘Governor’s Consent’ as if ‘Governor’s Consent’ is a document like a C of O is.

For education, ‘Governor’s Consent’ is an action by the governor or his appointee consenting to a land transaction on a deed of assignment executed between an assignor and assignee through appending of signature on the executed document.

Unlike a C of O which is a document produced by the government and personally signed by the governor him/herself conferring right of occupancy unto the holder for 99 years, Governor’s Consent is appended on a page in a deed of assignment that is submitted by the assignee to the government informing the government that a transaction has taken place and they require the consent of the Governor for the transaction to be valid as required by the Land Use Act.

The consent of the Governor appended on the deed of assignment does not confer o n the beneficiary a fresh term, as the C of O does. It only affirms the transaction and the unexpired term stated in the C of O is still maintained.

The below table explains more

Terms C of O Governor’s Consent
Issuing Institution It is a document issued by the government directly and signed by the Governor him/herself

 

 

It is a document prepared by either the assignor or the assignee’s lawyer and only sent to governor for his/her consent.

 

 

Who Can Sign Land Use Act says only the Governor

 

 

The governor can sign personally or delegate to any commissioner or Deputy Governor to consent to it

 

Term Created Upon issuance, the holder gets fresh 99 years right of occupancy from a commencement date stated in the C of O

 

There is no fresh 99 years term, as it continues from the commencement date of interest of the predecessor in title.  

 

Governor’s consent before alienation, transfer, mortgage Holder of a C of O cannot alienate, transfer, mortgage or otherwise without the consent of the Governor.

 

 

 

Holder of a Governor’s consent cannot alienate, transfer, mortgage or otherwise without the consent of the Governor.

 

 

Number of times document can be issued Only one (1) C of O can be issued on a particular property for the initial 99 years. If the holder sells property, the buyer is only entitled to Governor’s Consent and not another C of O

 

 

 

Multiple Governors’ consent can be obtained on a single property provided the transaction keeps getting consent of the Governor. i.e party A can sell to party B and obtain consent. Party B can sell same property to party C and obtain Consent. Party C can sell to party D and obtain consent.

 

Validity It is a valid legal title to land conferring right of occupancy. Predecessor in title can be the Governor through Actual Grant by Section 5 of Land Use Act or through deemed grant by section 34 of the Land Use Act

 

It is a valid legal title to land from the holder of C of O(assignor) to the new owner (assignee) through registered Deed of Assignment

 

 

 

 

 

 

This article expresses a personal opinion as well as the view of others  pertaining to some of the challenges in Nigeria’s housing sector, and does not in anyway substitute for such professional advice or services and it should not be acted on or relied upon or used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect you or your business, without consulting a qualified real estate Advisor.
Ademola Ladega  (ANIVS, RSV MNIM, FIMC) is the managing partner of AOL Consult (www.aolmanagementconsult.com.ng) He is a highly experienced real estate consultant with field/practical experience spanning over 9 years, having previously worked at Ismail and Partners, where he contributed a great deal to the success of the firm and rose to the position of the Head of Valuation and Senior Associate 
Mr Ladega has extensive experience of providing valuation services in Nigeria to large public and private companies in many sectors including utilities, banking, insurance, financial services, agro-industrial, shipping, commercial and trading sectors. As well as experience in reporting in accordance with the regulatory requirements of Nigeria, in full compliance with ESVARBON Nigeria Valuation Standards (Green Book) 2018 IPSAS, IFRS, RICS,  and IVS

49 comments

  1. If a land under federal government acquisition was allocated to someone and the person got a C of O, the government later came destroyed buildings, but presently the land is occupied by someone else, what can the person who built on the land with C of O do?

  2. Hello Enajedu.

    Yes, A governor can refuse to renew your Certificate of Occupancy upon expiration after the initial 99 years. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do. The situation can be likened to when your landlord says he’s not renewing your rent after allowing you to use the property for the period you both agreed in the tenancy agreement. You can’t do anything to your landlord, except you go to court just to buy time.

    This situation is different from when your C of O has not expired and the government want to compulsorily acquire the land for overriding public interest. In this case, you may be entitled to compensation. But if they have allowed you to stay for the term 99 years in the C of O, you can only appeal to them to renew and you’ll have to pay as if you are buying afresh.

    Hope this is clear

  3. Hello Jibike.
    This is a complicated situation.

    Firstly, the issue of revocation of the C of O is very clear as stated in sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act. The government can only revoke if the land is overriding public interest. What this means is that, the government may want to use your land for public hospital, school, field etc anything that would benefit the public. Hence, if they must acquire a land with C of O they can not sell to another person, because that person is not a public institution but a private person like you. Hence, such revocation can be challenged in the court.

    Secondly, except if you illegally obtained the C of O. Yes, there are instances where people illegally obtained the C of O by flying Coordinates on the survey plan to deceive the surveyor General of the federation to recommend issuance of C of O to you. If after getting a C of O on government acquired land, it was found that you presented false information, the C of O becomes void and you are not entitled to compensation. Then the government can allocate the land to another person legally.

    But if you didn’t do any wrong, they can not revoke your C of o and allocate one to another private person

  4. Hello, I need help, i just bought a land in port harcourt and was given a deed of conveyance, do i still need a certificate of occupancy? I also want to know how can can obtain a building permit and also do i need a fencing permit to fence the land. I just need steps of what to do because I am confused

    1. Hello Kingsley.
      If the property has a registered title already before your acquisition, what you would most likely be needing is a governor’s consent on the deed of assignment to be created between you and the seller.

      In line with Town Planning laws, before you can commence any improvement on a land in any state, you need to obtain approval from the Ministry of Physical planning in that state

  5. Hello please I want to know ,where a deed of assignment is issued which is a customary right of occupancy and you want to ensure that it is registered where can it be registered to obtain a Certificate of occupancy since the land is located in the rural areas ,and what are the procedures to be followed.

    1. Hello Favour

      Yes the Governor’s Consent also expires as it is the same 99 years in the C of O that’s being transferred in order to obtain a Governor’s Consent.

      Mr A has a C of O for 99 years starting from 1970.

      Then in year 2020, MR A sells to MR B.

      Mr B would need a Governor’s Consent to validate that transaction. Remember the 99 years started in 1970. Hence 1970-2020 is 50 years.

      The remainder is 99-50=49 years.

      Hence both the C of O and the Governor’s Consent will expire in 49 year’s time

      1. I think you are assuming that everyland has a C of O. In a Situation where Land has been excised to a particular family and one obtains a governors consent following transfer of same, is there a 99 year clause behind it… the land was not excised to the family for 99 years was it?

        1. Hello.
          By default and even based on the fee simple estate, all land belongs to government in perpetuity and not to any family. Even if the land has been excised to the family, as far back as 1930, it is subject to the 99 years term. Whether Oniru Family, Eleguishi Family, Lafiaji etc, they are termed based on 99 years lease, in which the land would by default revert to the government

  6. Mr A bought a land from the Family and didn’t register it , he is now selling to Mr B. What instrument would be drafted here? Is it a deed of assignment or an agreement for sale of land?

    I want to know if it is only a land covered with C of O you alienate through deed of assignment or both land with C of O and land that has never been registered at all. Thanks

    1. Dear Adepeju.

      You use a deed of assignment to alienate all land. The deed is like a receipt of sale/contract of sale. Hence, whether land with registered title or unregistered title, you can use a deed of assignment of a contract of sale agreement.

  7. I am interested in purchasing a piece of land the seller(a company) has provided a government gazette and a survey plan at proof of ownership of the property. Which of these documents should l verify from the government offices?

    1. Hello

      By virtue of the the Land Use Act, all landed properties transaction requires the consent of the governor before alienation

  8. Let’s say that the oniru family did not register with the government to obtain the C of O, can a person who bought a land from them get a C of O or a governor’s consent?

    1. Yes You can.

      The government control all land in the state. So land that probably ‘belong’ to a family, with no registered title can be registered at any time in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

    2. Yes You can.

      The government control all land in the state. So land that probably ‘belong’ to a family, with no registered title can be registered at any time in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

      1. The explanation above is well understood but I also have a question, I have a brief for sale that possess a registered deed of assignment, also known as governors consent, red copy registered survey and family receipt. Is it possible there is no CofO for this property?

        1. Hello Quwamudeen.

          Since you have a registred deed, it means there is a C of O. The Governor’s consent, derived its title from a C of O

  9. Hello Aolconsult, Happy new year to you, thanks for the lecture, I will like to know on what basis is the renewal of C of O denied by the Government?

    Secondly, would you say buying and building in an estate is better to avoid building in an area that might be used for “Public Interest” and to make your renewal easy after expiration?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    1. By Estate, what do you mean?

      Do you mean Government Estate? Or private Estate?

      Not, there’s no land anywhere in any state that Government can’t takeover.

      In fact even in Government Estates like Magodo, Lekki Phase 1, Ogudu GRA, government can take land from anyone.

      So, you’re not safe anywhere.

      But for Government to takeover land, there must be strong reasons, otherwise, you can sue the Government.

      See Magodo situation.

      It was Military Government that took the land. Judgement was given under Fashola, while enforcement is taking place under Sanwoolu

  10. Hello Aolconsult, Happy new year to you, thanks for the lecture, I will like to know on what basis is the renewal of C of O denied by the Government?

    Secondly, would you say buying and building in an estate is better to avoid building in an area that might be used for “Public Interest” and to make your renewal easy after expiration?

    Thanks in anticipation of your reply

    1. By Estate, what do you mean?

      Do you mean Government Estate? Or private Estate?

      Not, there’s no land anywhere in any state that Government can’t takeover.

      In fact even in Government Estates like Magodo, Lekki Phase 1, Ogudu GRA, government can take land from anyone.

      So, you’re not safe anywhere.

      But for Government to takeover land, there must be strong reasons, otherwise, you can sue the Government.

      See Magodo situation.

      It was Military Government that took the land. Judgement was given under Fashola, while enforcement is taking place under Sanwoolu

    1. So many situations can warrant such.

      1. Fraud
      2. Illegal activity on the land, like this illegal refinery issue
      3. If property is used for kidnapping
      4. Mostly crime related would make the government takeover the land or for instance where a building collapses, Government takeover

  11. What should I do when the assignor did not transfer the ownership of a land title document(deed of Conveyance) to the assignee? Now the assignee wants to sell the same property. Pls enlighten

    1. One of the options available is to go back to the first assignor with the consent of the second assignor(assignee) so he can sign for you as if he’s selling the property to you afresh.

      Here’s it.

      Mr A has a property with C of O
      Mr A sells to Mr B, Mr B did not register his title.
      If Mr B now sells to Mr C, he would have to first register Mr B’s title before he, Mr C can register his own title, which is called double consent.

      To avoid that, Mr C can with the consent of Mr B, approach Mr A directly to sign for him

  12. Good morning

    aolmanagementconsult,
    I love your platform,
    But i want to ask a question.

    If one buys a land from a person who has only a family receipt as his title,
    But the subsequent buyer has a Deed of Assignment with the buyer who bought directly from the family and the original copy of the family receipt bearing the name of the seller is also given to the buyer.

    How can that Buyer perfect his title or Register the Deed.

    Regards,

    1. The best option

      Former buyer should take new buyer to the family, pay them some money because I know they dont do deed of assignment for free. Let family act as if they are the one now selling to new buyer, sign deed for him and get a new receipt for him.

      Then do a survey plan, attach and take all documents to Land registry in Alausa in Lagos, to commence registration.

  13. Pls can C ofO be issued on an empty land cos I just got one and the land surveyor says it only when there is a structure on it before I can go for c of o pls clear me, sir, how true it is thanks

  14. Good morning,

    My father bought a land many years ago after acquiring all the papers and licences to get his C of O he was sent a letter of approval for the C of O but he died few months after, is it possible for us his children to get the C of O without any hitch?

  15. Thank you for taking time to explain this subject.
    What difference or similarities exist between deed of lease and deed of assignment, and deed of conveyance

    1. They’re all similar and can be used interchangeably.

      However, deed of lease is mostly for a lease for specific period, just like landlord renting a land to the tenant for a period more than 5 years. In that case, a deed of lease is prepared instead of tenancy agreement

    1. Is the C of O in the name of your sister or in the name of the seller?

      If in the name of seller, you need to get a deed of assignment prepared between your sister and the seller, then proceed to the land registry to obtain governor’s consent

  16. Please i need help.
    Can a house with a deed of assignment but no governor’s consent be mortgage if the governor’s consent is in view?

    1. Hello Yvonne.

      It depends entirely on the Bank or Mortgage institution you’re dealing with.

      Some will accept and give you the loan, while some would insist that you complete the process and give them a registered title before they can give you loan.

      But you can approach them

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