C of O vs Governor’s Consent in Nigeria

Nigerian land documentation uses several instruments. Two of the most discussed are the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and Governor’s Consent. Understanding the difference helps you ask better questions of sellers and lawyers.

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

A C of O is a title document evidencing a right of occupancy granted by the state. Buyers often treat a genuine C of O as a strong signal — but you still need to confirm authenticity, parties, and whether later transfers were properly documented.

Governor’s Consent

Governor’s Consent is commonly required for certain transfers of interest in land under the Land Use Act framework. If the property has changed hands, missing or forged consent paperwork is a frequent red flag.

What BlueBricks recommends

• Collect every document the seller claims supports ownership
• Verify documents before paying a large deposit
• Engage a qualified property lawyer for the transaction itself
• Inspect the land physically so survey beacons and access match the paper