Land ownership is a complex issue in Nigeria, and there are many ways to prove that you own land. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common methods of proving land ownership in Nigeria.
1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
The most common way to prove land ownership in Nigeria is to have a Certificate of Occupation (C of O). A C of O is a government-issued document that gives you the right to use and develop land. C of O are generally issued for 99 years and can be renewed.
2. Stopping Act
Another way to prove land ownership is to have a deed of conveyance. A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one person to another. Deeds of conveyance are typically used when selling property, but they can also be used to transfer ownership of property through inheritance or other means.
3. Act of Donation
A deed of gift is a legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one person to another in the form of a gift. Deeds of gift are generally used when a person wishes to give a property to a family member or friend.
4. Deed of Legal Mortgage
A deed of legal mortgage is a legal document that gives a bank or other lender security over a property. Deeds of legal hypothec are generally used when a person takes out a loan to buy a property.
5. Survey Plan
A survey plan is a map that shows the boundaries of a property. Survey plans are usually prepared by a licensed surveyor and can be used to prove that you own land.
6. Traditional proof
In some cases, traditional evidence can be used to prove land ownership. Traditional evidence may include items such as family trees, oral histories and community records. Traditional evidence is often used to prove ownership of land in rural areas, where there may be no official land ownership document.
7. Possession
Possession of a property can also be used to prove ownership of land. If you have owned a property for a long time and are paying property taxes, you may be able to claim ownership based on your ownership of the property.
It is important to note that there is no single “best” way to prove land ownership in Nigeria. The best way to prove land ownership will vary depending on the particular circumstances of your case. If you are unsure how to prove land ownership, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney.
Additional Tips for Proving Land Ownership in Nigeria
- Keep all your land titles in a safe place.
- Make sure your land titles are up to date.
- If you are selling a property, be sure to obtain a deed of transfer from the buyer.
- If you inherit property, be sure to obtain a deed from the deceased owner.
- If you take out a loan on a property, be sure to obtain a legal deed of hypothec.
- If you own property, be sure to pay property taxes.
By following these tips, you can help protect your land ownership rights in Nigeria.
In conclusion, providing proof of your land ownership is important in Nigeria. There are many ways to do this, and the best way will vary depending on your particular situation. If you are unsure how to prove land ownership, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney.
