Understanding Property Titles and Documents in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Sahara Weekly Reports That Being a property owner in Nigeria is a big accomplishment and a wise investment. But managing the complexity of property ownership necessitates a thorough comprehension of papers and property titles. These records are vital for preserving property rights since they act as official proof of ownership. This article explores the several kinds of property titles and documents that are available in Nigeria, their significance, and the ways in which they support safe real estate transactions.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O):

A Certificate of Occupancy is perhaps the most crucial document when it comes to land ownership in Nigeria. It is issued by the state government and serves as proof of ownership and the right to use the land for a specific purpose. The process of obtaining a C of O involves the applicant submitting an application to the state government, which then conducts due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the claim to the land. Once issued, the C of O grants the holder exclusive rights to use and develop the land.

2. Deed of Assignment:

A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one party to another. It typically outlines the details of the transfer, including the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and any conditions or considerations attached to the transfer. This document is crucial for formalizing the sale or transfer of property rights and should be duly executed and registered with the appropriate government authority to ensure its validity.

3. Deed of Conveyance:

Similar to a Deed of Assignment, a Deed of Conveyance is used to transfer ownership of property. However, unlike the Deed of Assignment, which is commonly used for the transfer of leasehold interests, the Deed of Conveyance is used for the transfer of freehold interests. It is typically executed between the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee) and includes details such as the purchase price, description of the property, and any covenants or warranties.

4. Survey Plan:

A Survey Plan is a document that shows the accurate boundaries and measurements of a piece of land. It is prepared by a licensed surveyor and is essential for verifying the exact location and dimensions of a property. A Survey Plan is often required during the process of obtaining a C of O or when transferring property ownership to ensure that there are no boundary disputes or encroachments.

5. Power of Attorney:

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on behalf of the property owner. It is commonly used in situations where the property owner is unable to handle their affairs due to illness, absence, or other reasons. A Power of Attorney can be limited or general in scope, depending on the specific powers granted to the attorney-in-fact.

The Significance of Property Titles: Safeguarding Your Investment

Legal Ownership:

Property titles serve as incontrovertible evidence of legal ownership. They establish the rightful owner of the property and delineate the boundaries of their ownership rights. Without a valid title, one cannot claim ownership of a property, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and challenges regarding ownership.

Protection of Property Rights:

Property titles provide protection against encroachments and unauthorized claims to the property. They offer a legal shield against potential disputes, ensuring that the owner’s rights are recognized and respected by others. With a clear title, property owners can confidently assert their ownership rights and defend against any attempts to infringe upon them.

Facilitation of Transactions:

Clear and valid property titles facilitate smooth and efficient real estate transactions. When buying or selling property, a clean title provides assurance to both parties that the transaction is legitimate and free from any encumbrances or defects. It instills confidence in buyers and lenders, making it easier to secure financing and close the deal.

Legal Certainty:

Property titles provide legal certainty by establishing a chain of ownership that can be traced back through time. They document the history of the property, including previous transfers of ownership, mortgages, liens, and other encumbrances. This historical record ensures transparency and clarity regarding the property’s status, enabling informed decision-making by prospective buyers and lenders.

Access to Legal Remedies:

In the event of a dispute or legal challenge regarding property ownership, a valid title provides the basis for seeking legal remedies and resolution. Property owners with clear titles can avail themselves of legal avenues to defend their rights and rectify any discrepancies or irregularities affecting their ownership. This access to legal recourse is essential for protecting investments and preserving property rights.

Peace of Mind:

Perhaps most importantly, property titles offer peace of mind to owners, knowing that their investment is secure and their ownership rights are legally recognized. With a clear title in hand, property owners can confidently enjoy the benefits of homeownership, such as occupancy, development, and transferability, without fear of adverse claims or challenges.

The Implications of Not Acquiring Property Titles in Nigeria: Risks and Consequences

Lack of Legal Ownership:

One of the most significant implications of not acquiring property titles is the lack of legal ownership. Without proper documentation, individuals cannot assert their ownership rights over the property, leaving them vulnerable to claims by other parties. This lack of legal ownership can lead to disputes, litigation, and the loss of investment in the property.

Insecurity of Tenure:

Property titles provide security of tenure, guaranteeing the owner’s right to occupy and use the property without fear of eviction or interference. Without proper titles, individuals face uncertainty regarding their tenure, making them susceptible to arbitrary eviction or displacement by third parties claiming ownership rights. This insecurity of tenure can disrupt lives, businesses, and communities, leading to social and economic instability.

Difficulty in Transacting:

Acquiring property titles is essential for facilitating real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, or leasing property. Without clear titles, individuals encounter difficulties in transacting, as potential buyers or lenders may be reluctant to engage in deals involving properties with uncertain ownership status. This can impede economic development and hinder investment in the real estate sector.

Limited Access to Credit:

Property titles serve as collateral for obtaining loans and credit from financial institutions. Without proper titles, individuals have limited access to credit, as lenders are unwilling to accept properties with unclear ownership as collateral. This lack of access to credit hampers economic growth and development, as it constrains individuals’ ability to invest in property development and other productive ventures.

Vulnerability to Fraud and Exploitation:

In the absence of property titles, individuals are vulnerable to fraud and exploitation by unscrupulous actors seeking to exploit their lack of legal protection. Fraudulent schemes such as land grabbing, forgery of documents, and illegal sales thrive in environments where property titles are not properly established. This exposes unsuspecting individuals to financial loss and legal entanglements.

Legal and Regulatory Risks:

Failure to acquire property titles exposes individuals to legal and regulatory risks, as they may be in violation of laws and regulations governing property ownership and transactions. Government authorities may take enforcement actions against individuals occupying or developing property without proper titles, leading to fines, penalties, or even demolition of structures.

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

The Nigeria of Now, by Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach

Acutely, Nigeria under democracy has not gotten anything reasonable to compare under the military. Most of Nigerians are old enough to be sign-posts of history. Likewise, we have written documents that serve as histories. In all these, we see clearly how Nigeria is becoming a failed nation in the course of democracy. Seriously, this is a great pandemic that needs swift attention before we have no Nigeria to defend. No one is happy going back. But, if the democratic governance continues this way, other system of government may test-run to see where real problems are – as the political leaders blame citizens for misfortunes of the nation. And same way, citizens blame political leaders for the nations’ misfortunes. However, democracy is the best for us at this time. So, we as citizens and political leaders must put things together to save our dear nation.

Relatively, there should be democratic parameters to checkmate democratic workings under the government. Above all, in various measures, if a nation doesn’t have this, it can be simply termed, relegated governance. This should be operationally identified to project meaningfulness of our democracy. Hence, if all developmental features are in standard oblivion, we have no hopes and on that note, it is as good as calling all well-meaning Nigerians to work towards good future of our dear Nigeria in all corners in order to safeguard ourselves and the loved ones as our government never put us in standard consideration.

Bribery, corruption and insecurities should be top notches for consideration; the government must desist from laying blames on past governments and to work tirelessly to amend where necessary, government should be enveloped with high-profiled selfless and dignified politicians; and politicians who are well-groomed on how to verbally and practically – on stylish mannerisms; buy and trade time for the attentions of the poor masses; an administration shouldn’t reward evil-performed politicians and the qualified and noble ones are to be fixed in political offices -and basically, in the wake of this, we can see our nation growing and developing. Be as it may, Nigerians wish the government to re-strategize on time to bring the peoples’ mandates. Nigerians are tired of empty hopes and attractive speeches. A working is what Nigerians need at this moment that the country is seriously sinking. So reasonable things must be scaled before happiness and joy of the citizens can showcase.

However, government to do greatly, it should listen and always create platforms to interact with activists and intellectuals within and outside government. Most importantly, government must grant rooms to journalists to disseminate original information so that issues raised can get fair solutions.

Sincerely, to regulate political and democratic governance, our political leaders must change for good and better. Doing this would definitely help them and the citizens. That is why; it is always advisable to discharge primary duties of dedicated offices. Our politicians must shun antagonistic ways for societal-oriented attitudes that could make good progress for the national values. Our politicians should learn of their great counterparts in the developed and developing countries to do alike or better so that we can have a stable and good economy. If they can do this, no one is ready to fight them. Note; now that everything is happening under quick manners, Nigerian political leaders must prepare to change for better. The growing generations do things faster without consulting and checking attached results. It is on this note, our political leaders must wake up to do greatly in offices before unusual begin to happen from all angles. Enough of embezzlement and open insult, please. Therefore, youths must carry fearless and unbiased human rights activists, and intelligent investigative journalists to help penetrate these wicked politicians as soon as possible, if only, they are not ready to work on dividend of democracy. Hence, youths have no reason to relent under government that has no control over insecurities and unemployment.

In a more cordial way to get this development, well-mannered and productive Nigerians must get ready to join politics. Their aspirations and plans are to be tabled in royal palaces and intellectual, influential and wealthy citizens in the villages are to be summoned by council of elders for support and sponsor of possible ways. Oaths can play good games in constituting this as all planning and supporting committee members manage such affairs under the oath. This should be recommended as quite numbers of individuals come into agreement with hidden agendas. I believe so much on how politics and religion are the great pillars of societal growths and developments. It is therefore a thing of joy to see good people on the affairs of the state.

Again, in order to make up to this development on time, I have always advised our youths to put aside cybercrimes to face our ill-hearted politicians. I have severally encouraged them to create light atmosphere within one another so as to get stronger bound for effective and effectual collaboration. Our youths need to shun jealousy, backbiting and the host alike so they can work with one another to fight the evil politicians parading on the natural resources. We all know how these politicians are strongly connected to one another on a goal of trading our efforts and all we have for their interest. That they always achieve because of strong collaboration. Youths should equally embrace such so that we dismantle their evil practices only if we want to secure our future and that of our children in the nation. These politicians have already done theirs. Our youths should be apprehended with a fact that these politicians have managed all means to make unproductive activities sponsored and promoted so as to keep little-minded youths busy; and to a length that they do use some of these activities to initiate hatred and problems between the little-minded and able-minded youths so they have enough time to keep stealing. On that note; Nigerian youths are encouraged to do well to get into government properly.

In the middle of these present chronic issues surrounding our dear Nigeria, we are yet to get some of the intellectuals questioned and interviewed. Good government must summon intellectuals for public opinions, analyses, suggestions and recommendations on things that can make a state forward and governable. It is by thoroughly working on demanding issues. Because, a government is the most insightful organization to identify gifts and talents of her citizens who have demonstrated themselves in past and in present – as a good government must initiate possible ways to deal with economic and security matters to set standards for living.

Former heads of states and presidents need to have a reconciliatory committee to ensure these groups come in terms with one another with loudable rewards. After that, our intellectuals at home and abroad should be invited for economic review; our wealthy Nigerians should contribute financially; our religious leaders to work on peace and collaborative spirits and many more. As a matter of urgency, online medium should be created to communicate one another due to factors of personal engagements. However, there is no singular reason that can credit someone who fails to attend to his or her family in critical time like this.

Our journalists, academics, innovators and activists must get ready to do more in order to have a progressive nation. Misinformation and misrepresentation of information is the mother of societal destruction. Until we learn how to resourcefully manage our information, we barely understand our score of economy and security – the two vitals of societal workings. So, we must learn how to manage information for and against the present government.

Definitely, I do urge our youths to make patriotic criticisms which are constructed with solutions and not baseless criticisms that can plug our dear Nigeria into a laughable and unrest state. Hence, collective bargaining and ideologies of the youths when channeled appropriately would help the government and citizens. If we don’t work together in peace and unity, the good Nigeria we ever desire wouldn’t come to stay on time. I do know the powers of youths and that is why, I have ever advocated for youth inclusion in government. I am certain, this government would make the way as the youths are committed to work closely with the government for the comfort and advantage of Nigerians.

Our problems are within. It is better we tackle it together. We must learn to do our own things now. Nigeria is one of the most hated nations due to our surplus natural resources. So, no nation is ready to help us make economic alignments without exploitation. Politics and religion can’t help us manage these, except humanity and technology. We should give prime concerns to these so we have human and infrastructural growths and developments in this time of economic shutdown.

Now that everything is accompanied with high prices, our religious leaders must continue to preach endurance, peace and unity to their members – they should teach them how though times don’t last. Our political leaders must cut expenses on things that couldn’t speak well to human and infrastructural developments. Our political leaders must not keep distance and disconnection from the poor masses. And, our political leaders must show and talk how they are seriously working ways to curb present sufferings. If steps to curb this are apprehendable, the promissory future would encourage and force angry citizens to exercise patience. Additionally, I do encourage my dear Nigerians to dwell in peace, unity, courage and efforts even in the middle of our sufferings. Certainly, and sooner than later, we would have our desirable Nigeria.

Our community leaders are encouraged to preach humility, endurance and morals to villagers. Insecurity which is one of the dangerous effects on agriculture must be addressed. Preaching of love which should highlights needs to be to kind and generous to one another, and harmless to one another is so paramount at the time. Hence, it is needed to destabilize antagonistic groups that terrorize humans and properties in societies.

If we can achieve the above highlighted points, Nigeria is fast moving to a standard state. Note; agriculture, electricity, technology, roads and companies should be given maximal attention. Then, schools and churches should be regulated in order not to keep plenty graduates unemployed and keep religionists lazy – as handiwork and diligent cover educational workings and love, obedience and orderliness cover religious workings. Together, we can do this easily and cheaply.

I am so certain that, if the government can yield to effective suggestions from our intellectuals both home and abroad, it would help Nigeria grow a bit under the government.

“Prophetic Invasion United Kingdom 2024: A Divine Gathering with Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe”

Genesis Global is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated event, “Prophetic Invasion United Kingdom 2024,” set to take place on the 8th of June, 2024. This divine gathering will be hosted by none other than the renowned Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, affectionately known as Genesis.

Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event, scheduled to commence at 12 noon at the prestigious Gateway House, located on John Wilson Street in London, United Kingdom (SE18 6QQ). Prepare to immerse yourself in an atmosphere charged with spiritual revelation and transformative insights.

Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, widely recognized for his powerful prophetic ministry, will lead attendees through a profound journey of spiritual enlightenment and divine impartation. His dynamic presence and unwavering commitment to spreading the message of hope and salvation have touched countless lives around the world.

“Prophetic Invasion United Kingdom 2024” promises to be an unforgettable experience, where individuals from all walks of life will gather to receive divine guidance, healing, and restoration. Whether you are seeking clarity, breakthrough, or a deeper connection with the divine, this event offers an opportunity for personal transformation and spiritual elevation.

For those eager to learn more about this transformative gathering or to reserve their seats, inquiries can be directed to the following contact numbers: +4407879763601 or +4407887946800. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this momentous occasion and embark on a journey towards spiritual awakening and empowerment.

Join Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe and the Genesis Global family as they usher in a new era of spiritual revival and awakening at “Prophetic Invasion United Kingdom 2024.” Prepare to encounter the divine and step into your destiny like never before.