How Do I Register a Deed of Assignment in Lekki?
Introduction
Purchasing property in Lekki, Lagos, is a dream for many Nigerians and investors abroad. From the scenic waterfronts of Ikate and Chevron Drive to the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor, the area offers unmatched opportunities in real estate investment. However, property ownership in Lekki extends far beyond paying the seller and collecting a receipt — it involves proper legal documentation, verification, and registration.
One of the most important documents in any property transaction in Lekki is the Deed of Assignment. This document is the official instrument that transfers ownership of property from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee). But having the document alone is not enough; it must be registered at the Lagos State Land Registry to make your ownership valid and enforceable under the law.
Unregistered deeds expose buyers to serious risks — including double sales, government acquisition disputes, and loss of property rights. That is why every serious property buyer in Lekki must understand the legal process of registering a Deed of Assignment with the Lagos State Government.
This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to register a Deed of Assignment in Lekki. It explains what the document means, its legal implications, the documents required, the stages of registration, the fees involved, and how to avoid costly mistakes during the process.
What Is a Deed of Assignment?
A Deed of Assignment is a formal legal document that signifies the transfer of ownership interest in a property from the current owner (called the assignor) to the new buyer (called the assignee).
It outlines key details of the transaction, such as:
The identities of the assignor and assignee.
The description and location of the property.
The purchase price or consideration.
The rights and obligations of both parties.
The effective date of transfer.
In simpler terms, it is proof that the seller has permanently transferred his ownership rights to the buyer. Once signed, stamped, and registered, the new buyer becomes the recognized legal owner of the property under Lagos State law.
Legal Framework for Property Registration in Lagos
Property registration in Lagos is governed by a combination of laws, including:
The Land Use Act, 1978
Land Registration Law of Lagos State, 2015
Stamp Duties Act, 2004 (as amended)
Property and Conveyancing Law
These laws empower the Lagos State Land Registry to record all land transactions within the state. Registering a Deed of Assignment under these laws is what gives your ownership legal recognition and protection.
Why You Must Register a Deed of Assignment
Many buyers make the mistake of keeping only an executed copy of their deed without registering it. But under Nigerian law, an unregistered deed of assignment is inadmissible in court as proof of ownership.
The importance of registration cannot be overstated:
Legal Ownership: Registration makes you the recognized owner in the government record.
Public Notice: It informs the public that the property has a new owner.
Protection from Fraud: Prevents the seller from reselling to another person.
Ease of Verification: The property becomes traceable in the state land database.
Eligibility for Governor’s Consent: You cannot apply for consent without registration.
Property Value Appreciation: Registered documents increase the property’s value.
Admissibility in Court: Only registered deeds can be tendered as evidence of ownership in court.
In Lekki, where property transactions are high-value and disputes are common, registration is not optional — it is a legal necessity.
Parties Involved in a Deed of Assignment
A properly executed Deed of Assignment involves the following key parties:
Assignor: The current owner or seller transferring the land.
Assignee: The new buyer acquiring ownership rights.
Witnesses: Individuals who attest that both parties voluntarily signed.
Solicitors: Legal professionals who draft, review, and process the registration.
Without proper legal representation, the document may be rejected by the Land Registry or declared defective in court.
Essential Contents of a Deed of Assignment
A valid Deed of Assignment must contain the following:
Date of Execution – The day the transaction was completed.
Full Names and Addresses of Parties.
Description of the Property – Size, location, and boundaries.
Consideration (Purchase Price).
Covenants – Promises made by both parties.
Root of Title – How the seller acquired ownership.
Habendum Clause – Confirms the duration and nature of the interest transferred.
Execution and Attestation Clause.
Governor’s Consent Clause (if applicable).
Every section must be properly drafted to reflect the real intention of both parties.
Documents Required to Register a Deed of Assignment in Lekki
Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Duly executed Deed of Assignment (3 copies).
Survey Plan (duly signed and charted by a licensed surveyor).
Receipt of Purchase or Payment Evidence.
Tax Clearance Certificates of both buyer and seller.
Seller’s Title Document (C of O, Gazette, or prior Deed).
Passport photographs of both parties.
Identification documents (National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License).
Land Information Certificate (obtained from the Lagos State Land Registry).
Application letter requesting registration.
Your property lawyer will compile and label these documents in a submission file.
Step-by-Step Process of Registering a Deed of Assignment in Lekki
The registration process follows a formal and legally recognized procedure at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa-Ikeja. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Step 1: Conduct Due Diligence
Before registering the deed, a legal search must be conducted to verify:
That the seller is the legitimate owner.
That the land is not under government acquisition.
That the property is free from encumbrances or litigation.
This search is done at the Lagos State Land Registry and Office of the Surveyor General.
Step 2: Prepare and Execute the Deed of Assignment
Once verification is successful, your lawyer drafts the Deed of Assignment. Both parties review it, and upon agreement, they sign in the presence of witnesses. Each party retains a copy.
Step 3: Obtain Governor’s Consent
For any property that already has a Certificate of Occupancy, the buyer must obtain Governor’s Consent before registration. This consent validates the transaction under the Land Use Act.
The process involves submitting the executed deed with supporting documents to the Lands Bureau, paying assessment fees, and awaiting approval.
Step 4: Payment of Stamp Duties
The Deed must be stamped at the Stamp Duties Office (Federal Inland Revenue Service). This step is governed by the Stamp Duties Act, and payment depends on the property value.
Stamped documents are admissible as evidence in court; unstamped ones are not.
Step 5: Payment of Registration Fees
After stamping, the next step is to pay registration fees at the Lagos State Land Registry. These include:
Registration Fee (typically 0.5% of property value).
Charting Fee.
Administrative Fees.
Payments are made through government-approved channels, and receipts are issued.
Step 6: Submission for Registration
Your lawyer submits all documents to the Registrar of Titles at the Land Registry. The documents are assigned a file number, logged into the registry, and checked for completeness.
Step 7: Vetting and Verification
The Land Registry vets the deed to ensure:
The property is within Lagos State jurisdiction.
The document is legally compliant.
All necessary signatures and stamps are included.
If discrepancies are found, a query is issued to the applicant for correction.
Step 8: Site Inspection (If Required)
In some cases, especially in newly developing areas of Lekki, the government may conduct a site inspection to confirm the physical boundaries and existing structures.
Step 9: Endorsement and Registration
Once verified, the Registrar of Titles endorses and registers the Deed of Assignment by stamping an official seal and assigning a registration number. The document is then stored in the government’s records.
Step 10: Collection of Certified True Copy (CTC)
After registration, the applicant can request a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Deed. This CTC serves as proof that the deed is officially recorded in government archives and can be used in legal or financial transactions.
Duration for Deed Registration in Lekki
The average time for registering a Deed of Assignment in Lagos is 4 to 6 months, although the process can be faster if all documents are complete. Delays often occur due to incomplete paperwork, unverified surveys, or government backlogs.
Engaging an experienced property lawyer significantly shortens processing time.
Cost of Registering a Deed of Assignment in Lekki
The total cost depends on the value of the property and applicable statutory fees. Typical costs include:
| Fee Type | Percentage/Range |
|---|---|
| Consent Fee | 1.5% of property value |
| Stamp Duty | 0.75% |
| Registration Fee | 0.5% |
| Legal Fee | 3–5% (depending on law firm) |
For example, for a ₦50 million property, registration fees could total between ₦1.2 million and ₦2.5 million.
10. The Role of Lawyers in Deed Registration
Registering a Deed of Assignment is a technical legal process that must be handled by a qualified property lawyer. Lawyers ensure:
Accurate documentation.
Compliance with land laws.
Prevention of fraud.
Faster approval timelines.
At Chaman Law Firm, property lawyers handle the full process — from verification to final registration — ensuring peace of mind for clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failure to Register: Unregistered deeds have no legal effect.
Incomplete Documents: Missing survey or tax clearance delays approval.
Fake Title Documents: Many fraudsters forge C of O or Gazette papers.
Wrong Names: Inconsistent names between documents cause rejection.
Unstamped Deeds: Unstamped deeds are inadmissible in court.
Avoiding these errors ensures smooth registration and long-term security.
Verifying a Registered Deed
To confirm that your Deed of Assignment has been registered:
Visit the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa-Ikeja.
Request a search using your registration number.
Obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC) if necessary.
A CTC is your official proof of legal ownership.
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Failure to register your deed in Lekki can result in:
Loss of legal ownership rights.
Inability to prove ownership in court.
Difficulty in reselling or using property as collateral.
Vulnerability to multiple sales or revocation.
Unregistered property ownership is like owning a car without vehicle registration — it has no legal recognition.
Registering a Deed for Family or Estate Land
For family-owned land, ensure that all principal members of the family sign the Deed of Assignment. If only one family member signs without proper authority, the transaction may be void.
Your lawyer should verify family consent and attach a Family Resolution Letter confirming authorization.
Electronic Registration (e-Deed System)
The Lagos State Government is gradually introducing digital registration for deeds and land documents. This system allows:
Online tracking of applications.
Electronic payments.
Shorter approval timelines.
The e-Deed portal is expected to enhance transparency and reduce forgery in land documentation.
Deed Registration and Governor’s Consent: The Relationship
Governor’s Consent and Deed registration are interconnected but separate. Consent validates the transaction; registration records it in public records.
You cannot register a Deed without Governor’s Consent.
You cannot get Governor’s Consent without a properly executed Deed.
Both must be completed to perfect your title.
Special Considerations for Developers and Estates in Lekki
Developers who buy large parcels of land must:
Consolidate deeds into a Global Deed of Assignment.
Register each unit or plot upon sale.
Obtain Governor’s Consent for each transfer to buyers.
Lawyers handle bulk registrations to avoid overlapping boundaries or legal disputes.
Probate and Inheritance Cases
If a property is transferred by inheritance, the executor must first obtain Probate or Letters of Administration before executing a Deed of Assignment in favor of a beneficiary or buyer.
This ensures that the transfer is recognized by law.
Dispute Resolution in Registered Deeds
If disputes arise after registration, courts rely on:
Registered Deed of Assignment.
Survey plans.
C of O or Gazette documents.
Witness testimonies.
A registered deed gives you a legal advantage in resolving disputes.
Benefits of Registering a Deed in Lekki
Full legal ownership recognition.
Peace of mind against fraud or double sales.
Increased property value.
Eligibility for building approval and land use documentation.
Improved resale potential.
Registered titles are the backbone of safe property ownership in Lekki.
Example: Practical Case Study
Mrs. A buys a plot in Chevron Drive, Lekki, with a Deed of Assignment but fails to register it. Five years later, the seller resells the same land to Mr. B, who registers his deed. In court, Mr. B’s title prevails because registration confers legal recognition, while Mrs. A’s unregistered deed is unenforceable.
This example underscores why registration must follow immediately after purchase.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Process | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence | Title & land verification | 2–3 weeks |
| Governor’s Consent | Approval process | 1–3 months |
| Stamping | Payment of duties | 1 week |
| Registration | Filing and endorsement | 4–6 weeks |
| Total Average | Complete perfection | 3–6 months |
Why Lekki Buyers Must Engage Professionals
Lekki’s booming real estate market has also attracted fraudsters who forge documents or impersonate landowners. Professional lawyers detect fake titles, confirm ownership at registries, and ensure all payments go through legitimate government channels.
Chaman Law Firm: Your Trusted Partner for Deed Registration
At Chaman Law Firm, we handle property documentation, Deed of Assignment preparation, Governor’s Consent, and full title perfection for both local and diaspora clients.
Our services include:
Property verification and due diligence.
Drafting and executing legal documents.
Processing registration at Alausa.
Obtaining Certified True Copies.
Representation in property disputes.
We ensure your investment in Lekki remains secure, legal, and enforceable.
Conclusion
Registering a Deed of Assignment in Lekki is not just a legal requirement — it is the foundation of your property ownership. It provides government recognition, protects against fraud, and secures your right to transfer, sell, or develop your property in the future.
Without registration, your ownership remains incomplete, and your investment remains at risk.
To avoid pitfalls and ensure your property rights are fully protected, work with an experienced property lawyer who understands the intricacies of Lagos land registration laws and the unique challenges of the Lekki real estate market.
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