What is the process of obtaining (C of O) in Lekki
Introduction
Owning property in Lekki, Lagos, is one of the greatest financial achievements a Nigerian can attain. From the bustling energy of Lekki Phase 1 to the serene estates of Chevron Drive, Ajah, Sangotedo, and Abraham Adesanya, the Lekki corridor represents wealth, luxury, and opportunity. Yet, beyond the impressive architecture and rising land values, every wise investor knows that a property without a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is like a car without registration papers—attractive but legally incomplete.
The C of O is the highest proof of ownership recognized under Nigerian property law. It validates your title, protects your investment, and gives you legal standing to sell, develop, lease, or use the property as collateral for loans. In Lagos—especially in Lekki—where land transactions are complex and multiple claims are common, obtaining a C of O is the difference between owning land in name and owning land in law.
This comprehensive guide explains, step by step, the entire process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in Lekki—from verifying land status to application submission, documentation, inspection, approval, and collection. It will help individuals, families, corporate bodies, and diaspora investors understand what to do, who to approach, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid unnecessary mistakes or fraudulent shortcuts.
Understanding What a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Means
The Certificate of Occupancy is an official document issued by the Lagos State Government under the Land Use Act of 1978. It certifies that the holder has been granted a statutory right to occupy a piece of land for a term of 99 years, subject to renewal and payment of annual ground rent.
Because all land in urban areas of Lagos is legally vested in the Governor, the C of O is the Governor’s written evidence of approval allowing you to occupy and use the property. Without it, your claim to the land remains incomplete and vulnerable to revocation or competing claims.
In practical terms, a valid C of O:
Establishes government recognition of ownership.
Enables title registration and mortgage.
Protects against fraudulent resales.
Enhances resale value and bankability of the property.
Categories of Land Eligible for a C of O in Lekki
Not every land parcel in Lekki qualifies for an immediate C of O. To avoid rejection, you must first know which category your property falls into:
Government Scheme or Allocation Land – Plots allocated directly by the Lagos State Government or through a housing scheme (e.g., Lekki Peninsula Scheme I & II).
Private or Family Land – Land owned by families but already excised and gazetted by government.
Regularized Land – Land previously under government acquisition but later regularized after payment of assessment fees.
Developers’ Estates – Land sold by approved developers who obtained global titles from the state.
If the land is under committed government acquisition, a C of O cannot be granted until government releases or regularizes the area.
Preliminary Verification—Confirming That the Land Is Free
Before starting any C of O application, your lawyer must conduct a search at the Lagos State Land Registry and Office of the Surveyor General to confirm that the property:
Lies outside committed acquisition zones.
Is not subject to litigation or encumbrance.
Has not been previously granted to another person.
A charting report is obtained from the Office of the Surveyor General. This document shows the land’s coordinate position on the state acquisition map. If the chart result reads “Free from acquisition,” you may proceed. If it reads “Under acquisition,” you must apply for regularization instead.
Step One – Survey Plan and Site Inspection
Every application begins with a registered survey plan prepared by a licensed surveyor. The plan must show:
Accurate coordinates (Northings and Eastings).
The name of the landowner or applicant.
The size of the land (in sqm).
Boundary beacons and adjoining plots.
The Surveyor General’s seal and signature.
After submission, government officials conduct physical inspection to confirm that the coordinates match the actual site in Lekki and that there is no boundary overlap.
Step Two – Preparation of Application Documents
To apply for a C of O in Lagos, you must prepare the following documents:
Duly completed C of O Application Form (Form A).
Evidence of ownership (Deed of Assignment, purchase receipt, or allocation letter).
Four passport photographs of the applicant.
Current tax clearance certificate (for individuals) or company tax clearance and incorporation documents (for corporate bodies).
Photocopy of survey plan (duly charted).
Sketch map and site photograph.
Letter of application addressed to The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Alausa – Ikeja.
These documents must be neatly arranged in a file jacket labelled with your name, plot details, and location (e.g., Plot 12, Block B, Osapa London, Lekki).
Step Three – Submission at the Lands Bureau, Alausa
Applications are submitted at the Customer Service Desk of the Lands Bureau, Alausa Ikeja, which handles all property titles in Lagos State.
Upon submission:
Your documents are checked for completeness.
You receive an Acknowledgement Slip with a unique file number.
The file is forwarded to the Director of Land Services for processing.
Always keep your acknowledgement slip safe; it is the only proof of submission.
Step Four – Verification and Site Report
Officers from the Survey Department and Land Services conduct a joint inspection of your property in Lekki. Their duties include:
Confirming the land coordinates on ground.
Ensuring the land corresponds to your survey plan.
Checking for encroachments, government structures, or flood channels.
Photographing the site for official record.
They prepare a Site Report, which forms part of your evaluation file.
Step Five – Charting by the Office of the Surveyor General
The Surveyor General charts the property to verify it lies within an approved layout and is free from acquisition. The chart result is attached to your application file.
If the land falls within an acquisition zone, your lawyer must apply for regularization instead of C of O.
Step Six – Assessment and Demand Notice
The Land Use Allocation Committee (LUAC) reviews the file and issues a Demand Notice covering:
Application processing fees.
Ground rent (for the first year).
Survey fee (if government re-surveys the land).
Deed preparation and administrative charges.
Payment is made through designated banks or government payment portals. Always obtain e-receipts and attach them to your file.
Step Seven – Payment Confirmation and File Forwarding
Once payment is confirmed, the file moves to the Accounts Department and then to the Director of Land Services for final verification. The Director ensures that:
All payments tally with the assessment.
The applicant’s name matches previous documents.
Tax certificates are valid.
The verified file proceeds to the Executive Secretary, LUAC, and finally to the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, for recommendation to the Governor.
Step Eight – Preparation of the C of O
The Legal Department drafts the Certificate of Occupancy, including the property description, lease term (99 years), and ground-rent rate. The draft passes through several internal reviews to confirm accuracy.
Once cleared, it is printed on official Lagos State security paper bearing serial numbers, watermarks, and embossed seals to prevent forgery.
Step Nine – Governor’s Approval and Signature
The prepared C of O is presented to the Governor of Lagos State for approval and signature. This is the point where the government officially grants you a legal right of occupancy over the property.
After the Governor signs, the Commissioner for Lands and Permanent Secretary countersign, and the document is assigned a unique reference number recorded in the land registry.
Step Ten – Collection of the Certificate of Occupancy
The finalized C of O is dispatched to the Land Registry’s Record and Documentation Unit. The applicant (or authorized lawyer) is invited to collect the document upon presentation of valid identification and payment receipts.
At collection, you receive:
The original Certificate of Occupancy.
A covering letter confirming issuance.
Advice on annual ground-rent obligations.
Keep the C of O in a fireproof safe and maintain digital backups.
Timeline and Cost
Processing a C of O in Lagos typically takes 3 to 6 months, though delays may occur if documents are incomplete or verification reveals irregularities.
Approximate costs include:
Processing and administrative fees.
Ground rent (varies by location).
Stamp duties and registration fees.
Survey charting and inspection costs.
Professional legal fee.
The total depends on land size and category but can range between ₦800,000 and ₦2.5 million for residential plots in Lekki.
Importance of Using a Property Lawyer
Although the application process appears straightforward, errors in document preparation or misrepresentation can lead to rejection, delay, or outright revocation. A property lawyer ensures:
Correct documentation and compliance.
Verification of ownership chain.
Proper interpretation of assessment notices.
Legal perfection of title after collection.
At Chaman Law Firm, our property department specializes in title perfection, C of O applications, and Governor’s Consent processing.
Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Conflicting ownership claims.
Land falling within acquisition zones.
Non-payment of statutory fees.
Discrepancies between survey and site.
Absence of valid tax clearance.
Avoid shortcuts; every rejected file restarts the entire process.
Digital Application and e-C of O Initiative
The Lagos State Government now operates a partial electronic C of O system (e-C of O) aimed at speeding up processing. Applicants can track file progress online via the Lagos State Lands Bureau Portal using the acknowledgement number.
The long-term goal is to digitize all land records in Lekki and other divisions for transparency and quick verification.
C of O vs Governor’s Consent
Many buyers confuse the two documents:
C of O – Issued when land is being granted for the first time by the state.
Governor’s Consent – Required when an existing C of O landowner transfers interest to another person.
If you’re buying land that already has a C of O, you only need to process Governor’s Consent after executing the Deed of Assignment.
Renewal of C of O
Because the C of O confers a 99-year lease, owners must renew the lease term before expiration. Renewal involves:
Payment of assessment fees and ground rent.
Submission of the old certificate.
Updated tax clearance and site inspection.
Failure to renew can lead to forfeiture of rights after expiration.
Benefits of Holding a Valid C of O in Lekki
Legal Security – Protects against government revocation or encroachment.
Financial Leverage – Banks accept it as collateral for loans.
Ease of Transfer – Simplifies sales and inheritance.
Value Appreciation – Properties with C of O command higher market prices.
Government Recognition – Facilitates utility connection and planning approvals.
Risks of Owning Land Without a C of O
Land may be seized as government property.
Ownership disputes can arise.
You cannot obtain Governor’s Consent for resale.
Banks and investors will reject the property.
Unauthorized developers may encroach.
Never assume a purchase receipt equals ownership; without a C of O, you have only an equitable interest, not a legal title.
Regularization Process (If Land Is Under Acquisition)
If your Lekki property lies within a government acquisition area but you already built or purchased in good faith, you can apply for Regularization of Title rather than C of O.
Steps include:
Submission of an application for regularization.
Charting and site verification.
Payment of Regularization Assessment Fees (based on market value).
Issuance of a new C of O in your name after approval.
Role of the Ministry of Physical Planning
Before applying for a C of O on developed land, ensure that your building plan is approved by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). Unapproved structures may trigger compliance penalties or demolition notices during verification.
How Diaspora Investors Can Process C of O Remotely
Nigerians in the diaspora can legally obtain a C of O through:
Appointment of a law firm via Power of Attorney.
Digital submission of documents and tax clearance.
Remote monitoring through government portals.
Chaman Law Firm assists diaspora clients in verifying, applying, and collecting C of O without physical presence in Nigeria.
Post-Issuance Obligations
After collecting your C of O:
Pay annual ground rent to keep it valid.
Update property tax records.
Keep your file reference number safe for renewals.
Report lost certificates immediately for reissuance.
Sample Timeline Summary
| Stage | Activity | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary search & survey | Verification & charting | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Application submission | Documentation review | 1 week |
| Site inspection & assessment | Demand notice issuance | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Payment & verification | Internal approvals | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Governor’s signature & collection | Final registration | 4 – 6 weeks |
Total average: 3 to 6 months, depending on complexity and responsiveness.
Why Lekki Requires Extra Vigilance
Lekki’s rapid urbanization means overlapping family lands, excision layouts, and developer estates coexist. Many parcels already have pending applications or double allocations. Always confirm the root of title before applying for C of O to avoid conflict with earlier grantees.
How Lawyers Facilitate Faster Processing
Experienced lawyers maintain structured relationships with registry departments and understand documentation standards. They:
Pre-vet documents to prevent queries.
Ensure prompt payment of fees.
Track files and respond to memos quickly.
Collect the certificate upon approval.
Professional handling saves months of delay.
Avoiding Scams During C of O Processing
Fraudsters may pose as “agents” claiming they can “fast-track” your C of O for a small fee. Do not patronize them. All legitimate payments must be made only to Lagos State Government designated accounts, not personal ones. Always confirm fee schedules with your lawyer or at the Lands Bureau front desk.
Summary of the Legal Framework
The entire process derives authority from:
Land Use Act (1978).
Lagos State Land Registration Law (2015).
Lands Bureau Regulations.
These laws vest ownership in the Governor and outline rights, obligations, and penalties relating to land occupancy.
Conclusion
In Lekki’s dynamic real-estate landscape, the Certificate of Occupancy is not a luxury—it is the soul of ownership. Without it, your investment remains exposed to legal uncertainty, government acquisition, or fraudulent resale.
Obtaining a C of O in Lagos involves careful documentation, patient processing, and strict compliance with government procedures. Yet the reward is lasting security and peace of mind.
At Chaman Law Firm, we guide individuals, developers, and diaspora investors through every stage—verification, documentation, submission, follow-up, and collection—ensuring seamless title perfection in line with Lagos State law.
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