One of the biggest sources of confusion in Nigerian real estate is land documentation. Many buyers hear terms like C of O, Gazette, or Deed of Assignment without understanding what they truly mean.
This article breaks them down in simple terms.
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
A C of O is issued by the state government and grants the holder legal rights to occupy land for up to 99 years.
Key Points:
- Strongest individual land title
- Issued by the Governor
- Must be registered to be valid
- Can still be fake if not verified
Best for: Long-term ownership and investment.
- Gazette
A gazette is an official government publication showing land released back to indigenous owners after acquisition.
Key Points:
- Stronger than excision
- Confirms government recognition
- Must match survey coordinates
- Not all community lands are gazetted
Gazette does not automatically mean ownership—you still need proper transfer.
- Excision
An excision is a portion of land officially released from government acquisition to a community.
Key Points:
- Issued to a community, not individuals
- Must be verified by survey
- Subject to government conditions
- Can still require further documentation
Often used for developing areas.
- Deed of Assignment
A Deed of Assignment transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
Key Points:
- Mandatory in land transactions
- Must be registered
- Not a title on its own
- Depends on the root title
Without a valid root title, a deed is weak.
5. Governor’s Consent
A Governor’s Consent is the official approval of the State Governor allowing the transfer of interest in land from one party to another. Under Nigerian law (Land Use Act), any transfer of land ownership must receive Governor’s Consent to be legally complete.
Key Points:
- It is a stamp and endorsement placed on the Deed of Assignment
- Confirms government approval of the transaction
- Mandatory for registration at the Land Registry
- Without it, the transaction is legally defective and unenforceable
Governor’s Consent does not replace a title like a C of O or Gazette—it validates the transfer of an existing title from seller to buyer.
Which Document Is Best?
There is no “one-size-fits-all,” but generally:
- Governor’s Consent → Best
- C of O → Strongest
- Gazette → Very secure
- Excision → Acceptable with caution
- Deed of Assignment → Supporting document
What matters most is verification, not the name.
Final Thoughts
Understanding land documents protects you from:
- Fraud
- Demolition
- Legal battles
- Loss of capital
Always verify, always ask questions, and never rush payment.
Need Clarification or Verification?
Gloiyk Properties & Investments provides:
✔ Verified land options
✔ Transparent documentation
✔ Professional advisory services
📩 Reach out before you buy.