When it comes to buying land in Lagos, you will quickly realize that documents are everything. A plot of land may look appealing, the price might even be mouthwatering, but without the right papers, your dream can turn into a nightmare. Three terms that always come up in conversations around Lagos land are Excision, Gazette, and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Many people hear them, nod, and move on, without fully grasping what they mean. Unfortunately, ignorance in this area has cost some buyers millions of naira.

In this article, we will break down The Difference Between Excision, Gazette, and C of O in a simple and human way that anyone can understand. But before we dive into the details, let me tell you a short story.

A few years ago, a young man named Kunle living in London wanted to surprise his parents with a land gift in Lagos. He sent money to his cousin who claimed he had found a “very hot land deal” in Ibeju-Lekki. The land was cheap, the location looked good, and the sellers said it was “family land.” Kunle didn’t bother asking questions about excision, gazette, or C of O. After all, he trusted his cousin.

Two years later, when Kunle finally visited Nigeria to start building, he was greeted with a bulldozer and officials from the Lagos State Government. The land was part of government acquisition and he lost everything. If Kunle had understood the difference between excision, gazette, and C of O, he would have known better.

Now, let’s unpack these terms properly.

1. Understanding Excision: The First Step of Land Freedom

To understand excision, let’s start with the basics. In Lagos (and Nigeria generally), all land technically belongs to the government. This is rooted in the Land Use Act of 1978, which placed land under the control of the state governor for the benefit of the people. Because of this law, no community or individual can claim absolute ownership of land without government recognition.

However, before the law, many communities had been occupying land for centuries. The government couldn’t just drive everyone away, so they created a process called Excision.

Excision is when the government decides to officially release a portion of land back to the original community. Think of it as a form of approval that says: “This portion of land now belongs to you, your family, or your village. You are free to sell, allocate, or transfer it.”

Without excision, the land still belongs to the government, and any transaction you do on it is risky. Once excision is granted, the land is considered free from government acquisition, at least for that portion. But excision is just the beginning—it’s like being given a pass. To make it more official and recognized, something else comes in. That’s where Gazette comes into play.

2. Gazette: Putting Excision on the Record

Imagine you passed your WAEC exams but your results never appear in WAEC’s official records. Even if you hold your personal result slip, it may not hold weight without being traceable in the official database. This is what Gazette does for excision.

After a land has been excised, the government publishes it in an official record known as the Gazette. The Gazette is like the government’s diary where they record details of lands that have been excised to communities. It usually includes the village name, the exact location, the size of the land, and sometimes even survey coordinates.

When a piece of land is in the Gazette, it becomes easier for buyers to verify. If you go to the Lagos State Land Registry, surveyors can check and confirm whether that land is listed. This step is very important because sometimes a community may tell you their land has been excised, but without the Gazette, it’s just talk.

Gazette is proof that excision is not just a promise but a recorded fact. But even with Gazette, you are still one step away from absolute safety in land ownership. That final stamp of authority is called the Certificate of Occupancy, or C of O.

3. C of O: The Crown of Land Ownership

If excision is like winning freedom, and Gazette is like having your name in the government’s record book, then the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is like being given the title deed that crowns you as the recognized owner.

A C of O is issued by the government to individuals or organizations who legally own land. It is the highest form of recognition you can get as a landowner in Nigeria. It not only proves ownership but also protects you from future disputes.

With a C of O, you can confidently say: “This land is mine and the government itself has acknowledged it.” It also makes it easier to use your land as collateral for loans, resell it without stress, and protect it from wrongful acquisition.

The process of obtaining a C of O is not always smooth. It involves applications, surveys, fees, and sometimes a long wait. That’s why many people stop at Gazette or even excision. But here’s the hard truth: lands without C of O are always more prone to issues in the long run.

That’s why properties with a valid C of O are usually more expensive. You are not just paying for sand and soil—you are paying for peace of mind.

4. The Difference Between Excision, Gazette, and C of O

Now that we’ve explained them individually, let’s clearly spell out The Difference Between Excision, Gazette, and C of O.

Excision is the initial approval where the government releases land to a community. Gazette is the official publication that records that release. C of O is the final document that confirms individual ownership of a particular land parcel.

Think of it like this:

• Excision is when your father gives you a portion of family land and says, “This is yours.”
  
• Gazette is when the family lawyer writes it down in the family records for everyone to see.
  
• C of O is when you go to court and get a judgment that says, “This land legally belongs to you, not just by word of mouth, but by law.”
  

While excision and Gazette are steps in the right direction, C of O is the ultimate shield. Without it, you are always slightly vulnerable. Some people buy excised or Gazette land and still go ahead to process their C of O later. That’s the smartest move if you can afford it.

5. Why Understanding These Differences Matters in Real Life

If you are planning to buy land in Lagos, your knowledge of excision, Gazette, and C of O is not just theory—it can save you from heartbreak.

Take the case of Kunle we mentioned earlier. If he had asked whether the land had excision or Gazette, or better still a C of O, he would have known the risk. Many families sell land under the cover of tradition, but without government recognition, those lands can be taken back anytime.

On the flip side, imagine you buy a plot with a proper C of O in Ajah today. Even if someone shows up tomorrow claiming ancestral rights, the law is on your side because you have government-issued proof.

The difference also affects the value of land. Lands with C of O are always priced higher because investors know they are secure. Gazette lands come next, then excision. Lands without any of these documents are the cheapest, but also the riskiest.

For Nigerians in the diaspora who want to buy land back home, this knowledge is even more crucial. You may not be on the ground to monitor every move, so insisting on proper documentation is your best protection.

Final Thoughts

Lagos real estate can be rewarding, but it is also full of pitfalls. Many people focus only on location and price, forgetting that documents are the real foundation. Excision, Gazette, and C of O are not just big grammar—they are lifelines that determine whether your land is safe or not.

If you ever find yourself about to make payment, pause and ask: Does this land have excision? Is it in the Gazette? Does it have a C of O? The answer you get will guide your decision.

Remember, Kunle’s mistake doesn’t have to be yours. Protect your money, protect your future, and insist on clarity.

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS. He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property in Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041.