Understanding Property Titles in Nigeria: A Complete Guide

One of the biggest concerns for property investors in Nigeria is title verification. The complexity of land administration in the country means that proper due diligence is absolutely essential before any purchase.

Types of Property Documents in Nigeria

1. **Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)** — The highest form of land title, issued by the state governor.
2. **Deed of Assignment** — The document that transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
3. **Governor's Consent** — Required for the transfer of title to be legally recognised.
4. **Survey Plan** — Shows the exact boundaries and location of the property.

The SMT Due Diligence Process

At SMT International, our legal team follows a rigorous verification process for every property we present:

1. Physical inspection and verification
2. Title search at the land registry
3. Survey plan verification
4. Identification and verification of the seller
5. Legal opinion from our solicitors
6. Encumbrance check

Why This Matters

A clean title is the foundation of any property investment. Without proper verification, you risk buying land that belongs to the government, has multiple owners, or is subject to legal disputes. Never skip this step.