CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS NOT THE HIGHEST LAND OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS NOT THE HIGHEST LAND OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT

In Nigeria, many people believe that holding a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the golden ticket to absolute land ownership. It is a widespread misconception that having a C of O means no one can challenge your rights to the land. That is far from the truth.

C of O is indeed a powerful government document, granting you the right to use the land. But it is not the highest or only proof of ownership.

Nigerian land laws recognize other legal means like Deeds of Conveyance, Assignment, Partition and Gift, which if properly registered before a C of O, can outweigh a C of O and give a stronger ownership claim.

Moreover, a C of O can be revoked or cancelled if the owner breaches the terms of the allocation or if the Government needs the land for overriding public interest.

So your ‘secure’ ownership can suddenly become vulnerable, leading to loss of property.

Without thorough ownership verification and legal checks, relying solely on a C of O could expose you to disputes. Nigerian land ownership is complex and layered, and your C of O is just one piece of the puzzle.

Engage a Property Lawyer to verify the full history of land and legitimacy of land documents before making any purchase or investment.

Proper legal guidance ensures your ownership is solid and protected by law.

It is not just the C of O that counts.

History is key.
______________

APEX CHAMBERS, Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate /Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com