How Long Does It Take to Secure Governors Consent in Ikoyi?
Introduction
In Nigeria, and particularly in Lagos, property ownership is not legally complete until Governor’s Consent has been obtained. No matter how beautiful the house, how expensive the land, or how impressive the documents appear, without Governor’s Consent, ownership remains imperfect.
In Ikoyi — the crown jewel of Lagos real estate — the importance of Governor’s Consent cannot be overstated. With property values ranging between ₦700 million and ₦2 billion per plot, the stakes are too high for incomplete documentation. A single oversight can render even a luxury mansion legally vulnerable.
Many buyers and investors often ask: “How long does it take to secure Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi?” The answer depends on multiple legal, administrative, and procedural factors. This article provides a deeply detailed and professional guide, explaining the process, timeline, documentation, costs, challenges, and practical ways to fast-track the approval — with real-life case studies and expert insights from Chaman Law Firm, one of Lagos’s most respected property and real-estate law firms.
Understanding Governor’s Consent
Governor’s Consent is the official approval granted by the Governor of a state (or delegated authority) to validate a transfer of interest in land that already has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
It is required under Section 22 of the Land Use Act (1978), which provides that:
“It shall not be lawful for the holder of a statutory right of occupancy granted by the Governor to alienate his right of occupancy or any part thereof by assignment, mortgage, transfer of possession, sublease, or otherwise without the consent of the Governor first had and obtained.”
In simpler terms, once a property already has a C of O, any further transfer — such as sale, mortgage, or lease — must be approved by the Governor through a formal Governor’s Consent.
Why Governor’s Consent Matters in Ikoyi
Ikoyi’s real-estate environment is unique because most properties there are either federal or state sub-leases dating back to the colonial era. Many lands have changed hands multiple times through sales, assignments, or mortgages. Each subsequent transfer requires a Governor’s Consent to remain valid under Lagos law.
Without it:
- Ownership transfer is legally defective.
- The new buyer’s title cannot be registered or perfected.
- The land cannot be used as collateral for a mortgage.
- The property remains legally tied to the previous owner.
- The government can refuse recognition of the new buyer’s interest.
In essence, Governor’s Consent is the final seal of legitimacy on every real-estate transaction in Ikoyi.
The Legal Framework
Governor’s Consent in Lagos is governed by:
- Land Use Act (1978)
- Land Registration Law of Lagos State (2015)
- Property and Conveyancing Law (1959)
- Lagos State Lands Bureau Administrative Guidelines
The consent is processed through the Lagos State Lands Bureau — under the Office of the Governor, through the Directorate of Land Services and the Governor’s Consent Department.
Key Documents Required for Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Duly executed Deed of Assignment (signed by both parties).
- Current Certified True Copy (CTC) of the existing Certificate of Occupancy.
- Land Information Certificate from the Lands Registry.
- Survey Plan authenticated by the Office of the Surveyor-General (OSGOF).
- Tax Clearance Certificates of both seller and buyer.
- Evidence of payment of Land Use Charge and Ground Rent.
- Passport photographs of buyer and seller.
- Application Letter for Governor’s Consent.
- Covering Letter from Lawyer.
- Identification documents (National ID, Passport, or Driver’s Licence).
- Company documents if parties are corporate bodies (CAC Certificate, Resolution, etc.).
- Receipt of payment of stamp duties from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
Step-by-Step Process of Securing Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi
Step 1 – Preparation of the Deed of Assignment
A property lawyer drafts and executes a Deed of Assignment between the seller (assignor) and buyer (assignee). The Deed must clearly describe the property, price, and parties’ obligations.
Step 2 – Stamp Duty Payment
The Deed is assessed for stamp duties at the Stamp Duties Office (LIRS). Payment must be made within 30 days of execution to avoid penalties.
Typical duration: 3 – 5 working days
Step 3 – Submission to the Land Registry
Your lawyer submits the Deed, C of O, survey plan, and supporting documents to the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja for recordation and file opening.
Typical duration: 5 – 10 working days
Step 4 – Application for Land Information and Charting
The Land Registry conducts a Land Information Search and forwards the survey to OSGOF for charting, confirming that the land is not under government acquisition or overlapping survey.
Typical duration: 7 – 14 working days
Step 5 – File Review and Internal Processing
Once charting is cleared, the file goes to the Governor’s Consent Department within the Lands Bureau. Officers verify the C of O, confirm tax payments, and review the Deed.
Typical duration: 10 – 20 working days
Step 6 – Assessment of Consent Fees and Other Charges
The applicant receives an Assessment Notice covering:
| Charge Type | Typical Percentage / Range |
|---|---|
| Consent Fee | 1.5 % of property value |
| Capital Gains Tax | 10 % of profit (if applicable) |
| Stamp Duties | 1.5 % of property value |
| Registration Fee | 0.5 % – 1 % of property value |
Payment Period: Within 7 – 10 working days.
Step 7 – Governor’s Approval and Signature
After confirmation of all payments, the file is queued for the Governor’s signature. This is the most sensitive stage, as hundreds of applications await approval.
Typical duration: 30 – 60 working days.
Step 8 – Collection and Registration
Once signed, the Governor’s Consent is embossed with the State Seal, registered at the Land Registry, and a copy released to the applicant.
Typical duration: 5 – 10 working days.
Average Timeline for Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation & Stamping | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Submission & Charting | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Assessment & Payment | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Governor’s Approval & Registration | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Total Estimated Time | 8 – 16 weeks (2 – 4 months) |
Under ideal conditions, consent can be obtained within 8 weeks, but complex files, ownership disputes, or unpaid taxes can extend it to 6 months or more.
Cost of Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi
| Item | Approximate Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Consent Fee | 1.5 % of property value |
| Stamp Duties | 1.5 % of property value |
| Registration Fee | 0.5 % – 1 % of property value |
| Capital Gains Tax (Seller) | 10 % of profit |
| Charting & Administrative Charges | 200,000 – 500,000 |
| Legal Fees | 3 % – 5 % of property value |
Because Ikoyi properties are high-value, total charges can easily exceed ₦5 million – ₦25 million, depending on property worth.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
- Incomplete or inaccurate documentation.
- Ownership disputes or pending litigation.
- Outstanding land use charges or ground rent.
- Errors in survey plan or uncharted coordinates.
- Administrative backlog at the Lands Bureau.
- Delay in tax-clearance verification.
- Failure to attach proper Deed of Assignment or Power of Attorney.
Each error can delay approval by weeks or even months.
How to Fast-Track Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi
- Engage a property lawyer experienced in Lagos land documentation.
- Submit complete documents at once.
- Clear all tax and land-use obligations before application.
- Ensure survey charting is done early.
- Use only official payment channels.
- Follow up regularly with the Lands Bureau through your legal representative.
Case Study 1 – When Delay Almost Cost an Investor His Mansion
Case: Dr. Eze v. Premium Developers Ltd (Ikoyi, 2021)
Dr. Eze purchased a seven-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi for ₦950 million. The developer assured him that Governor’s Consent would be processed within two months. Eighteen months later, the consent had not been issued because the previous seller had unpaid ground rent from 2015. When the Lagos State Government conducted a routine compliance audit, the property was flagged for irregular transfer.
Dr. Eze engaged Chaman Law Firm, which immediately rectified the outstanding payments, re-charted the survey, and filed a corrective deed. Within three months, Governor’s Consent was successfully obtained.
Lesson: Hidden liabilities from prior owners can delay consent; always verify through a qualified lawyer before purchase.
Case Study 2 – When Proper Documentation Saved a ₦1.4 Billion Waterfront Property
Case: PearlGate Residences Ltd v. Lands Bureau (Lagos, 2024)
PearlGate Residences Ltd, an upscale developer in Ikoyi, acquired a magnificent waterfront parcel near Banana Island for a mixed-use project worth over ₦1.4 billion. The company began construction after signing a Deed of Assignment with the previous owner, assuming Governor’s Consent could be processed “along the way.”
Six months later, the Lagos State Government served a stop-work order, stating that the property’s transfer had not been perfected and that the previous owner’s lease had technically expired. The site risked repossession.
PearlGate quickly engaged Chaman Law Firm for emergency legal intervention. The firm discovered that the property had an old sub-lease under a Federal C of O, requiring renewal and Governor’s Consent for the new transfer.
Chaman Law Firm’s actions included:
Conducting an expedited Land Registry Search and Survey Charting.
Reconciling historical lease records with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Drafting a corrective Supplementary Deed of Assignment.
Paying all statutory fees, including arrears of ground rent and capital gains tax.
Liaising directly with the Governor’s Consent Department for priority processing.
Within 90 days, the Governor’s Consent was duly signed, sealed, and registered. The stop-work order was lifted, and construction resumed.
Outcome: The project continued legally without further interference, saving the developer from potential loss of property and investor confidence.
Lesson: In Ikoyi, where many lands originate from old federal or leasehold allocations, prompt processing of Governor’s Consent is not optional — it is the lifeline of your title security. Procrastination can cost billions.
Conclusion
Securing Governor’s Consent in Ikoyi is not a procedural luxury — it is the legal cornerstone of authentic property ownership. The process typically spans 8 to 16 weeks, but when handled professionally, it can be completed faster; when neglected, it can drag on for months or even years.
Governor’s Consent transforms your Deed of Assignment from a private contract into a state-recognized legal title, protecting you against revocation, litigation, or financial loss. In Ikoyi — Nigeria’s most prestigious and regulated real-estate hub — failing to secure this consent is like building a mansion on shifting sand.
Remember: a property without Governor’s Consent is an investment without legal roots.
Call to Action
At Chaman Law Firm, we help property owners, investors, and developers in Ikoyi and across Lagos perfect their land titles through efficient, compliant, and transparent Governor’s Consent processing.
✅ Our Professional Services Include:
Title verification and land-registry search
Preparation and stamping of Deed of Assignment
Governor’s Consent application and follow-up
Payment of statutory fees and tax clearance
Registration and perfection of title
Legal advisory on real-estate transactions
Our legal team works closely with the Lagos State Lands Bureau, ensuring accuracy, speed, and integrity in every step of your documentation process.
📞 0806 555 3671, 08096888818, 08024200080
📍 Chaman Law Firm 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
👉 Book a consultation now: www.chamanlawfirm.com/book-consultation
Before you buy, sell, or transfer any property in Ikoyi, make sure your ownership is legally perfected.
Contact Chaman Law Firm today — your trusted partner for Governor’s Consent and property documentation in Lagos.