Everything You Should Know About Governor’s  Consent in Lagos

The Governor's Consent Lagos
BY Godswill Igbokwe November 26, 2024

If you are planning to buy land or property in Lagos, you will need a  Governor’s Consent. It is a crucial part of the property acquisition process, but many people are unsure of what it really means or why it is so important. 

In this article, we will break down everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos, so you can make informed decisions when buying property.

What is the Governor’s Consent?

In Nigeria, all land is technically owned by the government under the Land Use Act of 1978. The Governor of each state is responsible for allocating land to individuals or organizations. When someone sells a piece of land or property that they have already been given by the government, they need permission from the Governor to transfer the ownership to another person. This permission is called the Governor’s Consent.

In simple terms, the Governor’s Consent is the approval the government gives to make the transfer of property ownership legally valid. Without it, the sale is not recognized by law, meaning you might not fully own the property, even if you have paid for it. That is why understanding everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos is so important if you are buying or selling property in the state.

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Why is the Governor’s Consent Important?

Governor’s Consent ensures that the property transaction is legally recognized by the government. Without this consent, the buyer might face issues later on, such as disputes over ownership or difficulties in selling the property in the future. 

Here are a few reasons why the Governor’s Consent is critical:

1. Legal Ownership: It confirms that the transfer of ownership is recognized by the government, securing your rights to the property.

2. Avoiding Legal Issues: Without the Governor’s Consent, the previous owner might still legally own the property, putting you at risk of losing it.

3. Future Transactions: If you want to sell or transfer the property later, you’ll need the Governor’s Consent to prove that you legally own it.

By understanding everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos, you can protect yourself from potential legal battles and property loss.

Who Needs to Get Governor’s Consent?

Anyone buying a property or land that already has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) needs to obtain the Governor’s Consent. A Certificate of Occupancy is a document issued by the government that gives someone legal rights to use a piece of land for a specific period (usually 99 years). However, once that land is sold or transferred to someone else, the new owner needs the Governor’s Consent to make the transfer official.

How Do You Apply for the Governor’s Consent?

Now that you know everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos, let us look at how to get it. Applying for Governor’s Consent can be a lengthy process, but it is necessary to secure legal ownership of your property. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Necessary Documents

The first step is gathering all the required documents, which typically include:

  • A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
  • The deed of assignment (the legal document showing the property is being transferred to the buyer)
  • A survey plan of the property
  • A tax clearance certificate
  • Proof of payment of consent fees

2. Submit an Application to the Lagos State Government

Once you have all the documents, you’ll need to apply to the Land Bureau in Lagos, along with the necessary fees. These fees include consent fees, capital gains tax, stamp duty, and registration fees.

3. Verification Process

The government will review the documents, verify the ownership of the property, and ensure that all fees have been paid.

4. Approval by the Governor

Once the documents are verified, the application is sent to the Governor for approval. This is the final step, and once it is completed, the Governor’s Consent will be issued.

It is important to note that the process can take several months, so it is advisable to start the application as soon as possible. If you are working with a lawyer or real estate agent, they can help guide you through the process.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Governor’s Consent?

Failing to obtain the Governor’s Consent is one of the biggest mistakes property buyers can make. Without it, the property transaction is not legally binding, meaning the buyer doesn’t have full ownership rights. Here are some of the risks involved in skipping the Governor’s Consent:

1. Risk of Losing the Property

If you don’t have the Governor’s Consent, the previous owner might still be recognized as the legal owner, which could result in you losing the property.

2. Inability to Sell or Transfer the Property

If you want to sell or transfer the property in the future, you’ll need the Governor’s Consent to prove you are the legal owner. Without it, the sale can’t go through.

3. Legal Disputes

You could face legal battles if someone challenges your ownership of the property. Without the Governor’s Consent, you don’t have the legal backing to prove ownership.

Understanding everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos can help you avoid these issues and secure your investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Get the Governor’s Consent?

The cost of obtaining the Governor’s Consent varies, as it depends on the value of the property being transferred. The Lagos State Government usually charges a percentage of the property’s value as consent fees. In addition to the consent fees, you will also need to pay other charges like capital gains tax, stamp duty, and legal fees.

It is essential to budget for these costs when planning to buy property in Lagos. Although the process can be expensive, it is worth it to ensure that your property transaction is legally secure.

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Conclusion

The Governor’s Consent is an essential part of the property-buying process in Lagos. It is the government’s way of ensuring that property transfers are legally binding and that ownership is properly recognized. By understanding everything about the Governor’s Consent in Lagos, you can protect yourself from potential legal issues and secure your investment. 

If you are planning to buy property in Lagos, don’t skip this crucial step. Ensure that you apply for Governor’s Consent to avoid any future complications with your ownership rights.

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