Procedure for the Registration of Deed of Assignment in Nigeria

Procedure for the Registration of Deed of Assignment in Nigeria

1. Introduction

In property transactions across Nigeria, the Deed of Assignment is one of the most essential legal documents used to transfer ownership of land or property from a seller (assignor) to a buyer (assignee). It is a formal agreement that must be properly executed and registered with the appropriate land registry to give it legal validity and to ensure that the buyer has enforceable title to the property.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the registration process of a Deed of Assignment in Nigeria, covering the legal framework, required documentation, key procedures, applicable fees, and the significance of registration.

2. What is a Deed of Assignment?

A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that shows the transfer of ownership or interest in a property from one party to another. It contains:

• Details of the assignor and assignee

• Description of the property

• The agreed consideration (purchase price)

• Covenants and conditions of transfer

• Signatures and witnesses

3. Legal Framework Governing Deed Registration in Nigeria

The registration of Deeds of Assignment is governed by:

• Land Use Act 1978

• Property and Conveyancing Law (PCL) (applicable in the Western states)

• Registration of Titles Law (applicable in Lagos State)

• Land Instruments Registration Law (Cap L58 Laws of Lagos State)

• Applicable laws of individual states where the property is located

4. Importance of Registering a Deed of Assignment

• Legal proof of ownership

• Protection against fraud and adverse claims

• Enables buyer to obtain Governor’s Consent

• Facilitates future transactions (e.g., mortgage, resale)

• Ensures enforceability of the property rights

5. Pre-Registration Considerations

a. Conduct Due Diligence

• Search at the Land Registry

• Verify title documents

• Confirm that the land is not under government acquisition

• Inspect physical boundaries and survey plans

b. Engage a Legal Practitioner

A property lawyer ensures that:

• The Deed is properly drafted

• The title is genuine

• All consents and documents are obtained

6. Drafting the Deed of Assignment

The Deed should contain:

• Full names and addresses of both parties

• Date of execution

• Recital of title history

• Description and location of the property

• Survey plan (attached)

• Purchase price and receipt of payment

• Covenants (possession, indemnity, etc.)

• Signatures and witnesses

7. Required Documents for Registration

To register a Deed of Assignment, the following documents are generally required:

1. Executed Deed of Assignment

2. Survey Plan (duly authenticated by Surveyor-General)

3. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or previous title

4. Application letter for Governor’s Consent

5. Evidence of payment of consideration (receipt)

6. Duly completed Form 1C

7. Evidence of payment of charting, endorsement, and consent fees

8. Identification documents of parties

9. Tax Clearance Certificate (where applicable)

8. Procedure for Registration of Deed of Assignment

Step 1: Execution of the Deed

• Both parties must sign the Deed, witnessed by legal professionals

Step 2: Apply for Governor’s Consent

• Submit the Deed and required documents to the State Land Registry

• Pay applicable fees: Consent fee, charting fee, endorsement fee

• File Form 1C with relevant attachments

Step 3: Charting and Verification

• Land Registry forwards documents to the Surveyor-General’s office

• The land is charted to confirm it is not under acquisition

Step 4: Assessment of Fees and Stamp Duties

• Applicant receives bill for consent fee, stamp duty, and registration fees

• Payment is made via designated government bank or Remita

Step 5: Stamping of the Deed

• The Deed is stamped at the Stamp Duties office (usually under the State Internal Revenue Service)

Step 6: Registration at the Land Registry

• Submit the stamped Deed for registration

• A Deed Number and registration details are issued

• The buyer’s name is entered into the registry as the new legal owner

9. Applicable Fees

Fees vary by state and are usually calculated as a percentage of the property value:

• Consent Fee: 1.5% – 3%

• Stamp Duty: 0.75% – 1.5%

• Registration Fee: 1% – 3%

• Charting/Endorsement Fee: Flat rate or per acre/hectare

10. Timelines and Duration

On average, the entire registration process takes:

• Lagos State: 30 – 90 days (if all documents are in order)

• Other states: 2 – 6 months (depending on bureaucracy)

11. Challenges in Deed Registration

• Bureaucratic delays

• Omission or inconsistency in submitted documents

• Failure to obtain proper survey authentication

• Double allocation or ownership disputes

• High cost of fees and informal charges

12. Role of Lawyers, Surveyors, and Agents

a. Lawyers

• Drafting and reviewing documents

• Conducting due diligence

• Filing applications and processing consents

b. Licensed Surveyors

• Preparing and authenticating survey plans

c. Property Agents (Optional)

• Facilitating buyer-seller negotiations

• Coordinating with professionals and registries

13. Digital Transformation and Land Registration

Some states like Lagos have moved towards e-registration:

• Online search and application

• Digital submission of documents

• Real-time tracking of applications

This reduces corruption, delays, and loss of documents.

14. Conclusion

The registration of a Deed of Assignment is the final step in legalizing property ownership in Nigeria. It offers legal security, reduces fraud, and enables lawful enjoyment and future transaction on the land.

Engaging the right professionals, preparing all necessary documents, and complying with the statutory steps will ensure a seamless and successful registration process.

📝 Need to Register Your Deed of Assignment? Let’s Help You Secure Your Property Legally.

Purchasing a property is one thing—perfecting your ownership is another. Without proper registration of your Deed of Assignment, your investment may be exposed to legal risks, fraud, or future disputes.

At Chaman Law Firm, we offer expert legal services to help you:\n

• Conduct thorough due diligence

• Draft and review your Deed of Assignment

• Secure Governor’s Consent

• Process registration with the Land Registry

• Ensure full compliance with applicable property laws

📞Phone:  08065553671, 08096888818

✉ Email: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com

📍 Address: 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

🌍Click here to learn more about Chaman Law Firm

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