If you are a property owner in Lagos, it is smart to focus on getting your C of O after the land purchase rather than proceeding straight to development.
In this guide, I’ll share some actionable steps you can take to process one of the most important documents when you just acquired a new property — C of O if you are a new landowner in Lagos.
But before we go into that, let’s consider in short what C of O means and why it is necessary.
What is C of O?
Certificate of Occupancy is a prerequisite document often issued by the government to certify an individual’s ownership of land or property for a particular period. It serves as a valid official proof of ownership, granting holders complete authority over their properties.
A certificate of occupancy in Lagos state has a lifespan of 99 years and must be renewed at expiration.
Property/ Land Ownership In Lagos State
The Land Use Act of 1978 posits that property owners are required to obtain a certificate of occupancy after a successful transaction or when requirements are met.
Before now, the process used to be very tasking and took longer than expected.
But now, the process takes just a few months to acquire it. This is mainly because of a known and functioning board, Lagos State’s Land Use Allocation Commission (LUAC), which makes the process easier.
Why is C of O Important?
Once you have purchased a property, the next step is to get a C of O. The reason is that most landed property in Lagos state belongs to the state government. Hence, a Certificate of Occupancy will give you full and recognised ownership and authorisation. Without it, the government, without your knowledge, can issue a demolition or permit to resell the property without any compensation from you.
So, the government needs a Certificate of Occupancy from you to recognise you as the true and legal property owner.
Requirements for getting a C or O?
The process begins with purchasing and submitting the C of O form. Then, other legal processes follow.
Here is a detailed list of requirements:
- C of O form from the LAUC office in Lagos state
- A printout of the survey plan showing the boundaries of the land
- Land or property sketches (if available)
- Standard Allocation Form with Receipt. Lekki Peninsula Schemes, Abijo Commercial and Industrial (Form for Prime Land); other areas (Form for General).
- Government ID (NIN/ Drivers License/ International Passport)
- Four Passport photograph
- Deed of assignments
- Receipts of land purchase
- Picture of the site (showing street name)
- Land Information Certificate
- Assessment, administrative and publication fees (depending on the land)
- Evidence of tax clearance
7 Step-by-step guides to getting a C of O
There is a laid down procedure to acquire a certificate of Occupancy in Lagos. This procedure will help you take the process with ease. We’ll discuss the acquisition of C of O forms, the payment method, and other follow-up processes.
1. Submission of form
As stated before, after purchasing the C of O form, you are expected to fill it out and attach all the above-listed documents. Thereafter, you submit the complete documents to the right office.
You should know that the Certificate of Occupancy, LRF 1 form in Lagos state, is available at the Land Bureau. When submitting, endeavour to attach a formal letter to the office of the Secretariat – Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC), Land Bureau, in Ikeja.
After a successful submission, an acknowledgement letter will be issued.
2. Assessment Fee payment
Solely issued by the government, you are expected to pay a fee which the size and location of the land will determine. This fee is attached to the property you’re buying, and they can only give you a bill when you have completed step 1 (submission of the required documents and land descriptions)
3. Clearance of fees
Acquiring a C of O is not free, and that’s why most people don’t do it. But you need to know what’s involved.
Here’s a list of what you’re expected to pay for:
- Publication fee
- Site Inspection fee
- Stamp duties
- Miscellaneous levy.
Thereafter, you will be issued a plot and block number.
4. Publication Of names
This stage makes the whole process cumbersome and is the major reason most property owners delay getting their C of O. Depending on some factors, the publication of names can take up to one year.
At this stage, the government is charged with the responsibility of publicising the land or property in the media, news, and the names of people who applied for C of O titles.
This only lasts three weeks to notify the public in case there are objections or ulterior motives attached to the property in question.
5. Inspection of Site
Inspection of the site commences after an assigned government official publishes the names. This is a crucial aspect, and many people end their journey here. Why? because it affects the final issuance decision of the C of O title, positively or negatively. Your site needs to be found worthy and in good shape. So, endeavour to clear everything before visitation.
6. Processing of titles
After a successful inspection, the office in charge begins the preparation of C of O titles for final submission.
7. Signing stage
After the department in charge submits the C of O titles to the Lagos state government, the governor signs the document and makes it ready! At this stage, the process is almost done.
8. Registration and collection of C of O
Your certificate will be collected again after the government signs it. It will then be stamped, registered, and documented for reference.
Congratulations! Your certificate is ready. You will now be officially contacted to collect your certificate.
Now that you know how to get your Certificate of Occupancy in Lagos, there are pitfalls you should avoid before commencing.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Incomplete document
One easier way to give up and call it quit is by having incomplete documents. The already listed documents are non-negotiable, and the absence of any will cause a problem. So, to avoid stopping halfway, ensure you make available these documents. In fact, start gathering them now before you commence the process.
Wrong information
Another factor that can disqualify you instantly is the provision of the wrong name. Your legal name, address, and contact details must be correct and authentic.
Impatience
Lagos State, being one of the largest cities, is usually busy and engaged, so acquiring a C of O in Lagos State can be tiring. You might not be the only person applying for a C or O title, and so the process may take longer than expected, especially at the publication stage.
In addition to this factor, the Lagos state government can take 111 days to process your C of O.
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When you acquire a certificate of occupancy, there are a lot of benefits attached to it. You would not only have true ownership rights but compensation by the government when they intrude on property. Not only that, there’d be the opportunity to collect loans from banks legally. With this, you’d be able to acquire your C of O and have full rights to your property or land!
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