By John Umeh
Despite Lagos being Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre with a booming real estate sector, the Lagos State Government has revealed a surprisingly low uptake of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), with only 246 property owners applying for the document in the past six years. This revelation has raised serious concerns about land documentation, legal property rights, and security of tenure in the state.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document issued by the government that confers the right to occupy and use a piece of land. It is one of the most critical land documents in Nigeria and serves as proof of ownership, offering property owners legal protection against land disputes or government acquisition without compensation.
In urban centres like Lagos, where land value is constantly rising and informal land transactions are common, the importance of holding a C-of-O cannot be overstated. Yet, the low number of applications suggests widespread under-documentation in land ownership and transfer.
Government Concerns and Public Response
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, the paltry figure of 246 applications indicates a worrying trend. It either points to a lack of awareness among property owners, the complexity of the application process, or possibly a deep-rooted distrust in government systems.
The government has repeatedly urged Lagosians to regularize their property documents, warning that properties without proper titles are vulnerable to disputes, demolition, or disqualification from compensation during state infrastructure projects. Despite this, many residents remain indifferent or unaware.
Some property owners cite the lengthy bureaucratic processes, hidden charges, and perceived corruption as reasons for avoiding the application altogether. Others believe the cost of obtaining a C-of-O is prohibitively high, especially for owners of small residential plots or inherited family lands.
Legal and Economic Implications
Without a Certificate of Occupancy, property owners are at a disadvantage in many ways. For instance, financial institutions generally require a C-of-O to process mortgage loans or use property as collateral. This limits access to credit and reduces investment potential in the real estate market.
Moreover, undocumented properties cannot be easily transferred, leased, or sold legally, which stifles real estate development and formal economic activity. It also complicates urban planning and infrastructure expansion, as the government struggles to identify and compensate rightful landowners.
Government’s Planned Interventions
To address these challenges, the Lagos State Government says it is working to simplify the C-of-O application process, digitize land records, and launch public sensitization campaigns. According to officials, new platforms have been introduced to reduce delays and cut down human interference, making the process more transparent.
The Lands Bureau has also proposed discounted application fees, particularly for low-income areas, to encourage mass registration and bring more properties into the formal land registry system.
There are also ongoing efforts to resolve backlogs and issue bulk certificates in areas where the government has already conducted property regularization programs.
A Call to Action
Experts argue that achieving secure property ownership in Lagos hinges on encouraging landowners to formalize their holdings. Lawyers and real estate professionals recommend that residents begin the C-of-O process not only for legal protection but also to unlock the economic value of their assets.
As Lagos continues to expand and modernize, land documentation will play a central role in shaping the city’s development. A comprehensive and accessible land titling system, starting with higher C-of-O participation, is crucial for promoting investor confidence, reducing land-related conflicts, and ensuring long-term urban stability.
