Let’s talk about everything you need to know about governor’s consent land title.
Buying a property or land in any of the big cities in Nigeria is risky. Many have been duped in various ways by fake real estate agents, companies, and the dreaded Omoniles in Lagos. However, this is because many don’t know what land titles like the C of O, governor’s consent, etc., actually mean or how to obtain them.
In this article, we will discuss the governor’s consent – one of the perfect titles you can have on your property. We will also look at the benefits of governor’s consent and how to obtain it from your state government.
What Exactly is Governor’s Consent as a Land Title?
A governor’s consent as a land title refers to the action taken by the governor of a state to certify that a land transfer of ownership has the government’s approval. Unlike the C of O, the governor’s consent isn’t a document. However, it is a stamp on the deed of assignment presented by the land seller (the assignee) to get the governor’s approval for a land transaction to become valid.
For easier understanding, the first person to lay claim to a piece of land from the government is issued a certificate of occupancy (C of O). If the person decides to sell this land to another person at any time, that person must get the governor’s consent before the transaction can become valid. The government appends a seal of approval to the deed of assignment presented by the land buyer and seller to approve the transaction.
The governor’s consent is one of the strongest land titles in Nigeria, as it confers on the holder almost the same rights as a C of O.
Benefits of Governor’s Consent
Here are the benefits of obtaining a governor’s consent on a piece of land you’re buying in any city in Nigeria:
Evidence of Ownership
Like the C of O, the governor’s consent is a surefire way to prove land ownership in Nigeria. It shows that the government is aware of the legal occupant of the land or property, confirming that you have the right to use the land for anything within the approved duration.
Also Read: How to Know If a Land is Genuine in Lagos
Higher Property Value
A governor’s consent on a piece of land increases its value significantly. This is mainly because of the many real estate scams in different parts of Nigeria. It happens more in Lagos where lands are sold to buyers without legal documents.
With a verifiable governor’s consent on a piece of land, people are ready to pay more to acquire it.
Easy Access to Loans
Another benefit of the governor’s consent as a land title is that it makes the land more attractive collateral to lenders. Banks and other financial institutions will easily grant you loans if your land has the governor’s consent. They accept this land document because it provides an extra layer of security and legal backing.
Ease of Subsequent Transactions
Lands with verifiable titles like the C of O and the governor’s consent are the easiest to sell. They’re in high demand, as people want to buy properties free of liens or defects.
Peace of Mind
A governor’s consent on a piece of land means you’re free from every form of legal or communal dispute that may arise. You’re guaranteed the land is yours, as long as the government approves. Therefore, nobody can come out tomorrow to lay claims to your property, not even the dreaded omoniles.
Requirements for Obtaining Governor’s Consent
Here are the things you need to obtain a governor’s consent on a piece of land:
- Completed land Form 1C
- Certified true copy (CTC) of the root title.
- Land survey photographs
- Four copies of the Deed of Assignment, Deed of Sub-lease, mortgage, or Power of Attorney from the applicant’s solicitor, with survey plans attached to each copy.
- Passport of the assignee (for individuals) or the certificate of incorporation containing names and addresses of the directors (for companies)
- Current tax clearance certificate of the buyer and the seller
- Receipt of payment for N10,500 (Charting, endorsement and form 1C)
- Letter of Authority by the applicant and means of identification (where the application is made on behalf of the applicant)
- Cover letter with functional telephone line(s) and email address.
Steps to Obtain Governor’s Consent
Here’s a step-by-step process on how you can obtain the governor’s consent in any state in Nigeria:
Apply to the State Director of Land Services
The first step toward getting the governor’s consent on a piece of land is to apply to the director of land services of the state where the land is located. You must send this application as a formal letter with the phone numbers and addresses of all parties involved.
Complete and Sign the Land Form 1C
Obtain and complete Form 1C. Make sure this has the right date. Ensure all parties involved in the transaction have signed and sworn to it before a magistrate court or notary.
Obtain the Deed of Assignment
As the buyer or lessee, ensure you’ve obtained the deed of assignment, deed of sub-lease, mortgage, or other relevant documents that transfer permanent or temporary ownership of the land to you.
Provide all Relevant Documents
Gather all relevant documents about the land. The documents to gather locational sketch map, chartable survey plan, certified true copy of the root title, photographs of the land showing time and date, etc.
Make Payments for all Fees Required
Ensure to make all necessary payments for processing the governor’s consent. Typical examples of such payments are charting, Form 1C, endorsement fees, capital gains tax, registration fee, consent fee, stamp duty, etc.
Once all documents and receipts are ready, forward them to the relevant office for review and approval. In places like Lagos, you must send them to the Surveyor-General of Lagos State for charting.
Wait for Approval of the Governor’s Consent
After you’ve made all payments and submitted all documents, you wait for the approval of the transaction by the state government. This wait time can take between 30 days and 6 months, sometimes even more.
Also Read: Difference between Gazette and Excision Land Titles in Lagos
Conclusion
The governor’s consent is a crucial land title that offers you all the benefits you can get from a C of O. It’s essential for avoiding real estate scams in Nigerian cities, especially in places like Lagos. If you aren’t buying land directly from the government, verify the documents you provided before committing your money. Hopefully, this article has given you insights into what a governor’s consent is, its benefits, and how to obtain one.
