If you are reflecting on buying land in Nigeria, it is essential to be with the process for acquiring a certificate of occupancy (c of o). It acts as formal paperwork of a person’s right to the occupation and use of real estate properties in Nigeria.
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is a legal document that verifies Possession of land and gives the owner the license to develop and use the land. This article provides a detailed explanation of the demand for acquiring a certificate of occupancy (C of O) in every region of Nigeria, as well as its importance.Â
How to get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Nigeria
1: SITE INSPECTION:
The land administration office will inspect the land to verify the information provided in the application. This may include verification of the survey plan and physical inspection. Once verified, the government sends an official to examine the land. The purpose is to ensure that the land is being used for its intended purposes. For instance, land assigned for agricultural purposes cannot be used for a warehouse.
2: APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE:
After all fees have been paid, final approval is granted for the application, after which the certificate of occupancy is printed and provided to the landowner. The document will outline the details of the land, the ownership rights, and the rental term. This process typically takes between six months to two years, depending on the state and efficiency of its land registry.
3: PAYMENTS OF FEES:
Once the consent from the governor has been approved, you will need to pay the applicable fees. Submit the required payment for reviewing the application. The fees can depend on the size and location of the land. Verify all payments have been made according to the guidelines provided by the land registry. The applicant is expected to pay different charges, which include:
- Processing fees
- Premium fees
- Survey fees
- Site inspection fee
- Developmental levy
At this point, you are required to pay all the regulatory fees attached to the property.
4: APPLY FOR A SURVEY PLAN:
Get a registered survey plan of the land. The survey document is required to apply for the C of O. The initial step towards acquiring a C of O is to apply for a survey plan from the survey-general office. This plan will show the precise limit and measurements of the land will be used to determine the correct size and location of the property.
5: APPLICATION SUBMISSION:
Finalize and submit a certificate of occupancy (c of o) application to the Ministry of Lands in the state where the property is located. This is typically carried out in person, The application comprises several documents, such as identification documents, proof of land ownership, and a survey plan.
6: VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS:
The Ministry of Land will confirm the documents’ legitimacy. This process may involve checking the title of the land, verifying if the land is free from government acquisition, and ensuring that the state properly assigned the land. After purchasing the property and you have made all the necessary payments, you need to get all the relevant documents. Here is the list of documents you need for processing your certificate of occupancy.
- Submit four copies of the land survey plan
- Purchase recipe
- Four sets of deed assignment copies
- Current levy for development
- Site location sketch
- Submit four passport photographs with a white background.
- Picture of the site showing the time, street name where the property is located, and the time.
7: CHARTING AND ENDORSEMENTS:
The survey plan will be plotted to verify the boundaries of the land. Subsequently, the mandatory endorsement is made by the Surveyor General’s office, confirming that the location of the land is accurate.
CONCLUSION
A certificate of occupancy is a crucial asset for anyone looking to legally own a land in Nigeria. The offer includes official documentation of ownership and the authorization to utilize real estate.
Accordingly, it is vital to follow all necessary steps diligently and consult with legal experts if needed. Acquiring a certificate of occupancy may be time-consuming, but the statutory protection it provides is well worth the effort.
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