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Getting Governor's consent is a mandatory legal requirement for any property transaction in Lagos involving existing titled properties. This comprehensive process ensures legitimate property transfers and protects both buyers and sellers from legal complications.
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Governor's consent is required for all property transfers involving existing titles like Certificate of Occupancy in Lagos, with the buyer typically responsible for the application process.
The process involves submitting specific documents to Lagos State Lands Bureau, paying fees totaling approximately 3% of property value, and waiting 3-6 months for approval.
| Requirement | Details | Cost/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Property Types | All titled properties (C of O, previous consent) | Mandatory |
| Application Location | Lagos State Lands Bureau, Alausa, Ikeja | NGN 10,500 application fee |
| Total Fees | Consent (1.5%) + CGT (0.5%) + Stamp duty (0.5%) + Registration (0.5%) | ~3% of assessed value |
| Processing Time | Document submission to approval | 3-6 months |
| Professional Help | Lawyer and registered surveyor | Highly recommended |
| Verification | Title search at Lagos Land Registry | Before application |
| Penalties | Property loss, voided transaction | Land Use Act violation |
What type of property in Lagos requires Governor's consent before purchase?
Governor's consent is mandatory for any property in Lagos that already has an existing title document, specifically properties with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or previous Governor's consent.
This requirement applies to all forms of property transfer including sales, gifts, inheritance, or mortgage transactions involving titled land or buildings. As of September 2025, this covers the vast majority of legitimate properties in Lagos State, particularly in developed areas like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and mainland commercial districts.
The consent requirement exists because the Lagos State government retains ultimate ownership of all land under the Land Use Act, making the Governor the legal custodian who must approve any transfer of interest in titled properties.
Properties that typically require Governor's consent include residential houses, commercial buildings, plots of land with existing C of O, and any property where ownership is being transferred from one party to another with proper documentation.
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Who is legally responsible for applying for Governor's consent — the buyer or the seller?
The buyer is typically responsible for applying for Governor's consent after obtaining a properly executed Deed of Assignment from the seller.
While the buyer bears primary responsibility for the application process, both parties must cooperate to provide the necessary documentation. The seller must provide the root of title documents, including the original Certificate of Occupancy or previous Governor's consent, along with proper survey plans and other required paperwork.
The buyer initiates the process after signing the Deed of Assignment and must gather all required documents, pay the associated fees, and follow through with the application until approval is granted. This arrangement protects the buyer's interests by ensuring they have legal control over the consent process.
In some cases, buyers and sellers may agree to share responsibilities or costs, but the legal obligation for submission typically falls on the buyer as the party seeking to acquire legal interest in the property.
What documents must I gather before submitting the application for Governor's consent?
| Document Category | Specific Requirements | Format/Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Application Forms | Duly completed Land Form 1C | Original form from Lagos State |
| Title Documents | Certified True Copy of root of title (C of O or previous consent) | Certified copy from Land Registry |
| Transfer Documents | Three originals of Deed of Assignment with survey plans | Clear, legible survey plans attached |
| Photographs | Four recent passport photographs (5Ă—5) | White background, recent date |
| Corporate Documents | Certificate of Incorporation and directors' particulars (if applicable) | Current and valid documents |
| Site Documentation | Site photographs with date and location sketch | Clear, dated photographs |
| Payment Proof | Receipt for NGN 10,500 application fees | Official receipt for charting and endorsement |
| Authorization | Letter of Authority (if using agent) and proof of ID | Notarized if required |
| Cover Letter | Covering letter with functional telephone and email | Professional business format |
Where exactly do I submit the Governor's consent application in Lagos, and which office handles it?
Submit your Governor's consent application to the Lagos State Lands Bureau, specifically at the Directorate of Land Services located at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Directorate of Land Services operates as the primary government agency responsible for processing all property consent applications in Lagos State. The office is situated within the sprawling government complex in Alausa, which serves as the administrative headquarters for Lagos State government operations.
As of September 2025, the office typically operates during standard government working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though specific departmental hours may vary. It's advisable to arrive early in the day to avoid potential delays or queues.
The Alausa location is accessible by various means of transportation including the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, private vehicles, and ride-sharing services, with the closest BRT station being Alausa station.
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How much are the official fees, stamp duties, and processing charges for Governor's consent in Lagos right now?
As of September 2025, the total cost for Governor's consent in Lagos includes several components that typically amount to approximately 3% of the property's assessed value.
The consent fee stands at 1.5% of the property's assessed value, which represents the largest portion of the total cost. Capital Gains Tax adds another 0.5% of the assessed value, while stamp duty contributes an additional 0.5% of the assessed value.
Registration fees account for 0.5% of the assessed value, and the Neighborhood Improvement Charge (NIC) is calculated based on land size multiplied by NGN 2 per square meter, multiplied by the number of years since the last payment.
The initial application form and charting fee costs NGN 10,500, which must be paid upfront when submitting the application. This fee covers the processing of Form 1C, charting, and endorsement services.
For a property assessed at NGN 100 million, the total fees would amount to approximately NGN 3 million plus the NIC calculation and application fees.
How long does it usually take to get Governor's consent approved once the application is submitted?
Governor's consent approval typically takes three to six months from the date of complete application submission to final approval and documentation release.
The timeline can vary significantly based on several factors including the completeness and accuracy of submitted documents, the current workload at the Lagos State Lands Bureau, and any complications that may arise during the verification process.
Applications with complete, accurate documentation and clear title histories tend to process faster, often within the three-month minimum timeframe. However, cases involving title disputes, incomplete paperwork, or complex ownership structures may extend beyond six months.
As of September 2025, the Lagos State government has been working to digitize and streamline the process through the Lagos e-GIS platform, which may reduce processing times for straightforward applications in the future.
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What are the step-by-step stages of the Governor's consent process, from submission to issuance?
- Document Preparation: Gather all required documents including completed Land Form 1C, Certified True Copy of root of title, three originals of Deed of Assignment with survey plans, passport photographs, and supporting documentation.
- Application Submission: Submit the complete application package to the Lagos State Lands Bureau at the Directorate of Land Services in Alausa, Ikeja, along with the NGN 10,500 application fee.
- Fee Payment: Upon review of the application, receive a Demand Notice detailing all applicable fees including consent fee (1.5%), Capital Gains Tax (0.5%), stamp duty (0.5%), registration fee (0.5%), and Neighborhood Improvement Charge.
- Land Inspection and Verification: Lagos State officials conduct a physical inspection of the property and verify the authenticity of all submitted title documents against government records.
- Technical Assessment and File Review: Government surveyors and legal officers review the survey plans, conduct technical assessments, and examine the application file for compliance with all statutory requirements.
- Final Approval and Documentation: Upon satisfactory completion of all verifications, the consent is approved, assigned a unique consent number, and all relevant documents are officially stamped and registered in government records.
What are the common reasons Governor's consent applications are delayed or rejected in Lagos?
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation represents the most frequent cause of application delays, particularly when required forms are not properly completed or essential documents are missing.
Title disputes or existing encumbrances on the property can significantly delay the process, especially when there are conflicting claims to ownership or unresolved legal issues affecting the property's title. Outstanding payments on the property, including unpaid taxes or previous government charges, also commonly cause delays.
Errors in the Deed of Assignment or Survey Plan, such as incorrect measurements, outdated survey information, or discrepancies between the deed and survey documents, frequently lead to rejection and resubmission requirements.
Mismatched or missing application forms, particularly when the Land Form 1C contains incorrect information or is not properly executed, can result in immediate rejection of the application.
Other common issues include expired or invalid supporting documents, unclear photographs of the property site, and failure to provide proper authorization letters when using agents or representatives in the application process.
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Can I verify the authenticity of a property's title before applying for Governor's consent, and how do I do that?
Yes, verifying title authenticity is not only possible but strongly recommended before submitting a Governor's consent application, and this verification should be conducted through an official title search at the Lagos Land Registry.
The title search process involves examining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the root of title, reviewing all survey plans for accuracy and consistency, and conducting comprehensive checks for any existing encumbrances, liens, or legal disputes affecting the property.
Visit the Lagos Land Registry with the property's title documents to verify that the Certificate of Occupancy or previous Governor's consent is genuine and properly registered in government records. The registry maintains official records of all titled properties in Lagos State.
Professional property lawyers and licensed surveyors typically conduct these verification checks as part of their due diligence services, examining not only the authenticity of documents but also ensuring that all survey measurements, property descriptions, and ownership details are accurate and current.
This verification process helps identify potential issues before applying for Governor's consent, potentially saving significant time, money, and legal complications later in the property acquisition process.
Is there a penalty for buying or selling a Lagos property without Governor's consent, and what does the law say?
Purchasing or selling property without securing Governor's consent constitutes a serious violation of the Land Use Act and renders the entire transaction legally void and unenforceable.
The penalties for such violations include complete loss of the property, inability to register legal ownership, and possible government repossession of the land without compensation to the buyer. The transaction becomes null and void regardless of the amount paid or the good faith of the parties involved.
Under the Land Use Act, any transfer of property without proper government consent cannot be recognized by Nigerian courts, meaning buyers have no legal recourse to recover their investment or claim ownership rights to the property.
Additionally, such transactions cannot be used as collateral for loans, cannot be properly insured, and cannot be legally transferred to heirs or sold to future buyers, effectively making the property worthless from a legal standpoint.
The Lagos State government actively monitors property transactions and has been known to revoke titles and repossess properties where proper consent procedures were not followed, emphasizing the critical importance of compliance with these requirements.
Can I track the progress of my Governor's consent application, and if so, how do I do it?
Yes, you can track the progress of your Governor's consent application through multiple channels provided by the Lagos State government as of September 2025.
The primary tracking method involves contacting the Lagos State Lands Bureau directly using the contact information provided during application submission, including the reference number and tracking number issued with your receipt.
The Lagos e-GIS online portal provides digital tracking capabilities for applications submitted through their system, allowing applicants to check status updates, view processing stages, and receive notifications about required actions or document requests.
When you submit your application, ensure you receive official receipts and tracking numbers, which serve as your reference for all future inquiries about application status and progress through the various stages of review and approval.
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Do I need a lawyer or a registered surveyor to complete the Governor's consent process properly in Lagos?
While not legally mandated, engaging both a qualified property lawyer and a registered surveyor is strongly recommended to ensure proper completion of the Governor's consent process and minimize the risk of costly errors or rejections.
A qualified property lawyer provides essential services including document preparation, legal due diligence, title verification, and representation during the application process. Lawyers familiar with Lagos property law can identify potential issues early and ensure all documentation meets current legal requirements.
A registered surveyor conducts accurate property measurements, prepares proper survey plans, and ensures all technical documentation complies with Lagos State surveying standards. Incorrect or outdated survey information represents one of the most common causes of application rejection.
Professional assistance becomes particularly valuable given the complexity of the process, the significant financial investment involved, and the severe legal consequences of errors or non-compliance with Governor's consent requirements.
The cost of professional services typically represents a small fraction of the total property value but can save substantial time, money, and legal complications that often arise from incomplete or incorrect applications.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding Governor's consent requirements is crucial for any successful property transaction in Lagos, as failure to comply can result in complete loss of your investment.
The process requires careful preparation, proper documentation, and patience, but following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth approval process for your Lagos property purchase.
Sources
- Valahomes - Governor's Consent Process
- Hush Homes - Governor's Consent Nigeria
- Affable Homes - C of O vs Governor's Consent
- Urban Living - Why Governor's Consent Matters
- WTS Blackwood Stone - Property Ownership Guide
- Adeola Oyinlade - Land Transfer Procedures
- Estate Intel - Processing Requirements
- Real Estate Best Deal - Governor's Consent Lagos
- Resolution Law - Obtaining Governor Consent
- Lagos State Land Online Portal