Documentation can be confusing, particularly for first-time buyers.

Different properties can have different title documents depending on their history, location, ownership structure, and legal status.

Some commonly encountered documents and instruments include:

Certificate of Occupancy — C of O

A Certificate of Occupancy is an important title document in Nigeria, but its existence alone should not end your due diligence.

The document should be properly examined and, where appropriate, verified.

Deed of Assignment

A Deed of Assignment is commonly used to transfer an interest in property from one party to another.

It should accurately describe the property, parties, and interest being transferred and should be properly executed.

Survey Plan

A survey plan helps identify the location, dimensions, boundaries, and coordinates of a parcel of land.

For land buyers, the survey is particularly important because it helps establish what piece of land you are actually purchasing.

Governor’s Consent

Depending on the nature of the interest being transferred and applicable law, the Governor’s consent may be required for the transaction.

Excision / Gazette

Certain properties may have histories involving excision or government gazette documentation.

However, buyers should not rely on the name of a document alone.

The specific property, location and title history still need to be investigated.

Receipt / Contract / Allocation Documents

Receipts, contracts and allocation documents may form part of a transaction file, but buyers should understand the difference between evidence of payment, allocation and evidence of legal title.

Important: No Single Document Should Replace Due Diligence

A common mistake is asking:

“Does this land have a C of O?”

and assuming that the answer automatically means the property is safe.

The better question is:

“What is the root of title, what interest is being transferred, and has the property been properly verified?”

The strongest protection comes from looking at the entire title history and property status, not one document in isolation.