Buying land in Lagos can be one of the most exciting decisions you ever make, but it can also be one of the riskiest if you don’t get it right. Many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have lost millions of naira to land scams simply because they rushed into payment without asking the most important question: Does this land have a C of O?
This article, “Why You Need a C of O Before Paying for Land in Lagos,” will walk you through what the Certificate of Occupancy really means, why it matters, and how it protects you from unnecessary heartbreak.
Understanding the C of O
The Certificate of Occupancy, popularly called C of O, is the most recognized land title in Nigeria. It is a document issued by the Lagos State Government that confirms you as the legal owner of a piece of land or property for a period of 99 years.
Think of it as the government’s way of saying, “Yes, we know this land exists, and we recognize you as the person who has the right to use it.” Without a C of O, your ownership can easily be challenged, whether by the government, a family, or even an estate developer.
What makes the C of O so crucial in Lagos is the level of land demand. This city is the commercial capital of Nigeria, and every square meter of land carries enormous value. With so much money at stake, fraudulent sellers and disputes are unfortunately common. Having a C of O shields you from these problems because it ties your ownership directly to the government’s records.
A Short Story: Tunde’s Expensive Lesson
Tunde, a Nigerian living in the UK, once decided to surprise his wife by buying land in Lagos. He found a plot advertised online, and the price was too good to resist. The seller assured him that the land was “authentic” and backed by all necessary papers. Trusting those words, Tunde transferred millions of naira.
Months later, when his brother visited the site, he discovered the land had been resold to three different people. Worse still, the government had marked part of that area for future road expansion. Tunde had no C of O, no legal protection, and no way of reclaiming his money.
If Tunde had simply asked for proof of a C of O before paying, his story would have ended differently. Instead of losing money and peace of mind, he would have been the recognized owner in the government’s books.
This is why the C of O is more than just a piece of paper. It is your shield against land fraud and your key to peace of mind.
Why You Shouldn’t Pay Without It
So, why exactly should you never pay for land in Lagos without checking for a C of O? The answer lies in the risks you avoid.
First, without a C of O, you could be buying land that doesn’t legally belong to the seller. Lagos has countless cases of “omo onile” — land grabbers who sell the same piece of land to multiple buyers. The government will not recognize your transaction unless it is tied to a valid C of O.
Second, land without a C of O is always at risk of government takeover. The Lagos State Government reserves the right to reclaim any land not officially documented under a C of O, especially for public projects like roads, schools, or housing schemes. Imagine building your dream home only for it to be demolished because the land wasn’t properly documented.
Third, when you buy land without a C of O, your options for the future become limited. You cannot use it as collateral for a bank loan, reselling becomes harder, and developing it might attract legal issues.
In short, paying for land in Lagos without a C of O is like driving a car without a license — you may move for a while, but you’ll eventually run into serious trouble.
The Long-Term Value of a C of O
Beyond protecting you from fraud and disputes, a C of O also increases the long-term value of your investment. Land with a C of O in Lagos often appreciates faster because buyers know it carries less risk. Developers, banks, and even private individuals prefer dealing with land that has this clear title.
For example, two plots of land in the same location might look identical, but the one with a C of O can easily sell for double the price of the one without. Why? Because people are willing to pay more for peace of mind.
Having a C of O also makes it easier to develop your property. Approvals for building plans, construction permits, and even resale transactions move smoother when the land title is clear. For Nigerians in the diaspora, this is especially important because you cannot be on the ground to handle endless disputes. The C of O gives you confidence that your investment will be safe whether you’re in Lagos, London, or Atlanta.
Making the Right Move as a Nigerian in the Diaspora
If you’re abroad and considering buying land in Lagos, the first and most important step is to confirm the land title. Don’t rely on words, receipts, or allocation papers alone. Ask for the C of O. If the seller claims the land is under a “Global C of O,” then ensure you receive your Deed of Assignment and eventually process your own individual C of O.
Hire a trusted property lawyer or a reputable realtor to verify documents on your behalf. Lagos is filled with opportunities, but it also has its fair share of land disputes. A small investment in due diligence can save you millions later.
Most importantly, don’t let excitement or urgency push you into rushed decisions. Real estate is not a market where speed is better than safety. If the deal is genuine, it will still be there after verification.
Final Thoughts
The lesson is simple: when it comes to Lagos real estate, the C of O is not optional. It is your foundation, your shield, and your guarantee of ownership. Without it, you may spend your life fighting battles that could have been avoided with one document.
This is why the message of “Why You Need a C of O Before Paying for Land in Lagos” cannot be overemphasized. For Nigerians at home and abroad, the C of O is the single most important factor in determining whether your land purchase is safe or risky.
So, before you sign that cheque or transfer that money, pause and ask: Does this land have a C of O? If the answer is no, walk away. If the answer is yes, then you can confidently proceed, knowing your investment is secure.
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
