Whether you're buying your first plot or selling inherited land, one thing can make or break the deal — land documents.
Without the right documents, your transaction can be declared invalid or even illegal. Worse, you could lose your money or face years in court.
This guide explains the must-have land documents in Nigeria, why they matter, and how to verify them before you buy or sell any land in 2025.
Table of Essential Land Documents in Nigeria
| Document | Purpose |
| Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) | Official proof of land ownership from the state government |
| Deed of Assignment | Transfers land ownership from seller to buyer legally |
| Governor’s Consent | Mandatory approval to validate land resale under Nigerian law |
| Survey Plan | Describes land size, boundaries, and geographic location |
| Excision and Gazette | Proves that land has been legally released to original owners |
| Deed of Lease/Sublease | Grants temporary land rights, often for commercial use |
| Receipt of Payment | Acknowledges financial transaction between buyer and seller |
| Land Purchase Agreement | Outlines sale terms before final ownership transfer |
| Allocation Letter | Issued by government or estate developers for new allocations |
| Building Plan Approval | Required before construction on the land |
1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Issued by the state government, the C of O confirms that you legally own a parcel of land. It is one of the most powerful land titles in Nigeria.
Without a C of O, your claim to ownership may be challenged or not recognized in court.
2. Deed of Assignment
This document transfers ownership from the current landowner (assignor) to the buyer (assignee). It should be drafted by a certified legal practitioner and registered at the Land Registry.
A valid Deed of Assignment includes:
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Names of both parties
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Description of the land
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Date of transaction
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Signatures and witnesses
3. Governor’s Consent
Under the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in each state belongs to the Governor. To sell or transfer land legally, you must obtain the Governor’s Consent.
Without it, any land transfer is invalid in the eyes of the law.
Note: Even if you have a C of O, you must still get consent for a resale.
4. Survey Plan
This is a technical drawing that shows the boundaries and size of the land. It helps confirm:
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Whether the land exists
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Its coordinates and topography
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Whether it lies within a government-acquired area
Always verify survey plans at the Office of the Surveyor General in your state.
5. Excision and Gazette
Excision means the government has released a portion of land to the original landowners.
Once excised land is recorded in the government Gazette, it becomes legal and safe to purchase.
| Gazette Status | Legal Implication |
| Land is excised and gazetted | Safe to buy |
| Excision is “in process” | Risky — not yet legally released |
| No excision or gazette | Likely under government acquisition (do not buy) |
6. Receipt of Payment
This serves as a financial record of your land purchase. It must be:
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Issued by the seller
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Signed and dated
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Supported with bank transfer evidence
Always insist on a receipt, even if the seller is a friend or family member.
7. Land Purchase Agreement
This agreement outlines the terms of sale before the Deed of Assignment is finalized. It protects both parties in case of:
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Payment disputes
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Ownership issues
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Delays in documentation
Get your lawyer to draft or review this document before you pay.
8. Allocation Letter
If you're buying from a government agency or real estate developer, you’ll first receive an Allocation Letter. It’s a temporary claim pending completion of full documentation like a C of O.
9. Building Plan Approval
If you plan to build on the land, you must submit your building plans to the physical planning authority in your state.
Building without approval can lead to:
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Fines
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Demolition
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Court action
Checklist for Buying Land Safely in Nigeria
| Step | What to Do |
| Request all legal documents | C of O, Survey Plan, Gazette, Deed, etc. |
| Verify at Land Registry & Surveyor’s Office | Ensure no dispute or government claim on land |
| Conduct site inspection | Confirm land size, location, and neighbors’ claims |
| Use a real estate lawyer | Draft and review all agreements |
| Pay through a traceable channel | Use a bank transfer — never pay in cash |
| Get Governor’s Consent (if resale) | Finalize transaction legality |
Conclusion
Land ownership in Nigeria is a great investment, but only if it’s properly documented. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the key land documents can save you from fraud, loss, or legal drama.
Don’t just collect documents — verify them. And always use a qualified real estate lawyer.
