How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): A Step-by-Step Application Process

Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most crucial step in perfecting your property ownership rights. While the process can seem complex, especially in Nigeria, breaking it down into a clear, sequential path makes it manageable.

Firstly, what is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?

Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most crucial step in perfecting your property ownership rights. While the process can

A Certificate of Occupancy is an official legal document issued by the State Government (via the Governor’s office) that grants an individual, company, or institution the statutory right to occupy and use a specific parcel of land for a fixed period, usually 99 years, as governed by the Land Use Act of [1978].

Essentially, the C of O serves as:

Proof of Title: The highest evidence that the government legally recognizes you as the rightful user and leaseholder of the land.
Legal Clearance: A certification that the land is not subject to any government acquisition, claim, or adverse previous title.
Usage Definition: It defines the approved purpose of the land (e.g., Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or Agricultural).

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Occupancy?

Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most crucial step in perfecting your property ownership rights. While the process can

The C of O is non-negotiable for anyone serious about securing their property investment due to the following critical reasons:

Reason	Explanation
Legal Proof of Ownership	It is the conclusive document in any land dispute. Without a C of O, your claim to the property can be challenged or even revoked by the government without compensation.
Protection from Government Seizure	Property without a registered C of O is considered legally “unperfected” and remains vulnerable to being acquired by the government for public use without the owner being entitled to full compensation.
Increase Property Value	Properties with a valid C of O command a significantly higher market value and are more attractive to serious buyers and investors, assuring them of a clean title.
Access to Financial Services	Banks and other financial institutions mandate a C of O before accepting the property as collateral for mortgages, loans, or other financing agreements.
Permits and Approvals	You require a valid C of O to obtain approval for building plans, development permits, and to officially convert the property’s use (e.g., changing from residential to commercial).
Easy Transfer/Sale	It streamlines the process of transferring title (through Governor’s Consent) when selling the property, removing doubt for the new buyer about the land’s history.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most crucial step in perfecting your property ownership rights. While the process can

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the C of O application process, generally reflecting the procedure across Nigerian states, with slight variations possible depending on the local government (e.g., Lands Bureau, Ministry of Lands).

The application process is standardized across most Nigerian states, managed by the Lands Bureau or Ministry of Lands.

Step 1: Document & Information Gathering (Pre-Application)

Compile all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth processing time.

Duly Completed Application Form: Obtain and fill out the official C of O application form from the relevant Ministry.
Registered Survey Plan: Must be signed and approved by the State’s Surveyor General, showing precise boundaries.

Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most crucial step in perfecting your property ownership rights. While the process can

Proof of Land Ownership: Such as a Deed of Assignment, Purchase Receipt, or Allocation Letter.
Tax Clearance Certificate: Current Tax Clearance Certificate (for individuals) or evidence of tax payment (for companies).
Other Requirements: Passport Photographs, means of identification, and a Site Location Sketch.

Step 2: Submission and Initial Verification

Submit your documents and pay the initial processing fees.

Formal Application: Submit your documents with a formal cover letter to the Executive Secretary or Director of the Lands Bureau.
Vetting and Assessment: A desk officer reviews the file. Once verified, you will be issued a demand notice to pay all statutory fees (processing, publication, premium, etc.). Pay immediately to avoid delays.

ALSO READ: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT C OF O

Step 3: Site Inspection and Charting

Government officials verify the physical and legal status of the property.

Physical Site Inspection: Government teams will inspect the land to confirm its existence, boundaries, and that its actual use aligns with the intended purpose on the application.
Land Charting: The Surveyor General’s office charts the survey plan to officially confirm that the land is not already under government acquisition or subject to another registered title.

Step 4: Public Notice (Gazetting)

A transparency measure to prevent land disputes.

Newspaper Publication: The applicant’s details and the land description are published in a State newspaper or Gazette.
Objection Period: A mandatory period (usually 21 days) is provided to allow any party with a counter-claim to file an objection. A clear period moves the file forward.

Step 5: Final Review, Approval, and Issuance

The final stages where the title is perfected.

Final Vetting: The application undergoes final checks by the Land Use and Allocation Committee and senior land officials.
Governor’s Execution (Signing): The file is sent to the State Governor, who is the final authority to grant and sign the Certificate of Occupancy.
Registration and Collection: The signed C of O is stamped, officially registered with the Land Registry, and prepared for the applicant to collect. This marks the official conclusion of your title perfection.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is essential for achieving secure, legal, and highly valuable property ownership in Nigeria. It is the definitive proof of title that protects your investment from disputes and unlocks its full financial potential (loans and sales).

Contact Bayhan Home today. Let their experts manage your C of O application and title perfection, guaranteeing a smooth and professional experience.

Click here if you are ready to invest in any of our C of O properties?

For more information and also inspection contact: BayhanHomes @ www.bayhanhomes.com. or Call/WhatsApp: +2348138623765

How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): A Step-by-Step Application Process

How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): A Step-by-Step Application Process

Firstly, what is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?