How Do I Register a Deed of Assignment for Ikoyi Property?

How Do I Register a Deed of Assignment for Ikoyi Property?

Introduction

Buying property in Ikoyi — one of Lagos’ most prestigious and high-value districts — is not just a financial investment, it’s a legal commitment. From the luxurious waterfront mansions on Banana Island to the exquisite duplexes on Gerrard Road, every inch of land in Ikoyi carries both enormous value and intricate legal requirements. To safeguard your investment and ensure your ownership is valid, one of the most important legal steps you must take after purchasing a property is registering your Deed of Assignment.

A Deed of Assignment is the primary legal instrument that transfers ownership of property from a seller (assignor) to a buyer (assignee). However, executing the deed alone is not enough; it must be duly registered with the Lagos State Land Registry to have legal recognition. Without registration, your ownership is incomplete, unenforceable in court, and vulnerable to revocation or fraudulent claims.

This article comprehensively explains how to register a Deed of Assignment for property in Ikoyi, the process, requirements, government fees, and timelines, including a real-life case study, frequently asked questions, and a professional call to action for property owners who wish to complete or verify their documentation.

Understanding What a Deed of Assignment Is

A Deed of Assignment is a formal document that shows evidence that a property has been transferred from one person to another. It states clearly the details of the property, the identities of the buyer and seller, and the rights and obligations of both parties.

In Lagos, particularly in Ikoyi, the Deed of Assignment is the legal bridge between property ownership and government recognition. It is the instrument that reflects that the buyer has taken over all interests, rights, and titles that the seller previously held.

Once signed by both parties, attested by witnesses, and sealed by a legal practitioner, the document must go through Governor’s Consent, Stamp Duty Payment, and Registration at the Lagos State Land Registry — collectively known as title perfection.

Why the Deed of Assignment Must Be Registered

In property law, registration transforms ownership from private understanding to public record. Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978 makes it mandatory to obtain the Governor’s Consent before any valid transfer of interest in land.

Registering your Deed of Assignment ensures:

• Legal recognition: The Lagos State Government officially acknowledges you as the property owner.
• Protection from fraud: No one else can claim ownership of your property.
• Eligibility for resale or mortgage: Banks and investors will only deal with registered properties.
• Evidence in court: Only registered documents are admissible as proof of ownership in legal proceedings.
• Value appreciation: A registered property in Ikoyi is worth significantly more than an unregistered one.

Without registration, your ownership is considered incomplete, leaving you vulnerable to legal and financial risks.

Key Legal Framework Governing Deed Registration

The process of registering a Deed of Assignment in Ikoyi is governed by:

• Land Use Act 1978 – establishes the Governor’s authority over all lands in Lagos.
• Land Instruments Registration Law (Lagos State) – requires all land-related instruments to be registered.
• Stamp Duties Act – mandates stamping of property documents.
• Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) – applicable where companies are involved.
• Lagos State Land Registration Regulations 2015 – sets the procedures for filing, charting, and registration.

Steps for Registering a Deed of Assignment for Property in Ikoyi

The process is carried out in three major stages:

Governor’s Consent

Before registration, you must obtain the Governor’s Consent to validate the transaction. This is a constitutional requirement under Section 22 of the Land Use Act.

Payment of Stamp Duties

Once executed, the Deed must be stamped at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to confirm that all applicable duties have been paid.

Registration at the Land Registry

After Governor’s Consent and stamping, the document is lodged at the Lagos State Land Registry for final registration and record-keeping.

Below is the full breakdown of the process.

Step-by-Step Process for Registering a Deed of Assignment in Ikoyi

Step 1 – Conduct Land Information Search

Before registration begins, a land information search should be conducted at the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Alausa, Ikeja. This search reveals whether the property is under government acquisition, freehold, or encumbered by litigation.

Step 2 – Preparation and Execution of the Deed

A property lawyer drafts the Deed of Assignment based on the transaction terms, referencing the property description, boundaries, survey plan, and C of O (if applicable). The document must be signed by both parties and two witnesses, and executed before a notary public.

Step 3 – Apply for Governor’s Consent

The buyer’s lawyer applies to the Lagos State Lands Bureau for Governor’s Consent by submitting:

• Application letter
• Duly executed Deed of Assignment
• Survey plan
• Current tax clearance certificates of both parties
• Evidence of payment (receipts, bank drafts)
• Charting and endorsement forms
• Passport photographs
• Company incorporation documents (if applicable)

The Lands Bureau verifies the documents, performs charting, and forwards the file for the Governor’s approval.

Step 4 – Payment of Statutory Fees

The following fees are typically payable:

• Consent fee: 1.5% of property value
• Stamp duty: 0.75% of property value
• Registration fee: 0.5% of property value
• Charting and filing fees: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
• Legal/professional fees: Negotiable (usually 5% of property value)

Step 5 – Stamping at the Federal Inland Revenue Service

After obtaining Governor’s Consent, the document is sent to the FIRS office for stamping. A stamped document signifies that all applicable duties have been paid under the Stamp Duties Act.

Step 6 – Registration at the Land Registry

The stamped and consented Deed of Assignment is submitted to the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa for registration. Upon completion, it receives a registration number, and your ownership is entered into the government’s official land record.

Step 7 – Collection of Registered Documents

Once registration is complete, the original documents are returned to the owner or lawyer, along with an official acknowledgment and file number for recordkeeping.

Estimated Cost of Registering a Deed of Assignment in Ikoyi

The cost depends on the property’s market value and location.

These figures vary depending on transaction complexity, property type (residential or commercial), and location (e.g., Banana Island, Parkview Estate, or Glover Road).

Duration of the Process

The average timeline for registration is 60 to 120 working days, provided all documents are accurate and payments are made promptly. Delays may occur due to verification backlogs, incomplete documentation, or technical processing issues at the Lands Bureau.

Documents Required for Registration

To successfully register your Deed of Assignment, the following documents must be provided:

• Duly executed Deed of Assignment
• Survey plan authenticated by the Surveyor-General
• Evidence of payment for land or property
• Tax clearance certificates of both parties
• Passport photographs
• Identification documents (National ID, International Passport, or Driver’s License)
• Application letter for Governor’s Consent
• Payment receipts and treasury invoices
• Company incorporation certificate (for corporate parties)
• C of O of the original owner

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or forged documents
• Failure to obtain Governor’s Consent before stamping
• Using unlicensed or inexperienced agents
• Paying unofficial or inflated fees
• Not verifying title before purchase

Every property transaction in Ikoyi must be handled with precision due to the area’s high real estate value and strict regulatory standards.

Case Study – How an Ikoyi Buyer Lost ₦450 Million Due to Unregistered Deed

In 2021, a businessman purchased a luxury mansion on Cooper Road, Ikoyi, for ₦450 million. The transaction appeared legitimate, and a Deed of Assignment was signed between the buyer and the seller. Unfortunately, the buyer did not perfect the title or register the deed.

Two years later, the Lagos State Government declared that the land fell within an area under federal acquisition, and the seller’s transfer was invalid without consent. The buyer’s unregistered deed was rejected as evidence, and the property was repossessed during a government redevelopment project.

After consulting Chaman Law Firm, the buyer discovered that registration would have validated his ownership and allowed him to claim compensation. The loss served as a painful reminder that in Lagos, ownership is only guaranteed when your Deed of Assignment is registered and perfected.

Lesson: Registering your Deed of Assignment is not optional; it is the only way to legally protect your investment in high-value districts like Ikoyi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Deed of Assignment?
It is a legal document that transfers ownership of a property from a seller to a buyer.

Why must I register it?
Registration ensures your ownership is legally recognized and enforceable under Nigerian law.

Where do I register my Deed in Lagos?
At the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja.

Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Only qualified lawyers are authorized to prepare and execute Deeds of Assignment.

How long does the registration process take?
Typically between 2 to 4 months, depending on document accuracy and processing speed.

Can I register my property without Governor’s Consent?
No. Governor’s Consent is mandatory before registration can be approved.

How much does it cost to register a Deed of Assignment in Ikoyi?
Between ₦10 million to ₦40 million, depending on the property’s value.

Can foreigners register property in Ikoyi?
Yes. Foreigners can own and register property through a Nigerian company or approved investment structure.

Is a registered Deed of Assignment the same as a C of O?
No. A C of O is an original title document; a Deed of Assignment shows subsequent transfer from one owner to another.

What happens if I don’t register my Deed?
Your ownership remains legally incomplete, and you may lose the property or fail to prove ownership in court.

Legal Importance of Engaging a Property Lawyer

Professional lawyers ensure that your transaction is legally sound and that all documentation complies with Lagos State regulations. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting searches and due diligence.
• Drafting and vetting Deeds of Assignment.
• Calculating statutory fees.
• Obtaining Governor’s Consent.
• Coordinating registration and follow-ups.

Without professional guidance, errors or omissions can invalidate your ownership or delay registration indefinitely.

Financial Value of Registering a Deed in Ikoyi

Registered titles increase the resale value of property by up to 25–40%, as buyers and banks prioritize verified ownership. Moreover, registration protects you from fraudulent resales, double ownership, and illegal revocation.

For example, a property worth ₦400 million with an unregistered deed might sell for ₦350 million, while a registered one could command ₦450 million. The increase easily outweighs the registration costs.

Common Myths About Deed Registration

• “The family has already registered it.”
  – Each new transfer requires a new registration and consent.
• “The lawyer already drafted the deed, so I’m covered.”
  – Drafting is not registration. Only documents registered at the Land Registry are recognized.
• “The government is too slow.”
  – While delays exist, proper documentation and follow-up through legal channels guarantee success.

Step-by-Step Timeline Summary

Conclusion

Registering a Deed of Assignment for an Ikoyi property is one of the most critical steps in the property acquisition process. It gives your ownership legal life, transforming a private agreement into a government-recognized title.

Without registration, your investment — no matter how valuable — remains vulnerable to disputes, revocation, and fraud. The process may seem complex and costly, but the security and legitimacy it provides are priceless.

If you are buying or have already bought property in Ikoyi, begin the perfection and registration process immediately. The earlier your deed is registered, the safer your ownership and the greater your property’s value in Lagos’ most exclusive real estate market.

Call to Action

At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in property title perfection, Deed of Assignment drafting, and land registration for high-value properties in Lagos — particularly in Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Banana Island.

✅ Our Professional Services Include:

• Deed of Assignment drafting and registration
• Governor’s Consent processing
• Stamp duty payment and documentation
• Land verification and due diligence
• C of O and property perfection services
• Legal representation in land disputes

Our experienced lawyers work directly with the Lagos State Lands Bureau to ensure your property documentation is processed accurately, efficiently, and transparently.

📍 Office Address:
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

📞 0806 555 3671, 08096888818,  08024200080

📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com

📍 Chaman Law Firm 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com

👉 Book a consultation now: www.chamanlawfirm.com/book-consultation

Own your Ikoyi property with full legal confidence.
Contact Chaman Law Firm today to register your Deed of Assignment and perfect your title with precision, legality, and peace of mind.