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Ministry of Lands and Survey

Recertification of Title

Replace an older Certificate of Occupancy with a recertified, digitally numbered and verifiable one — or replace a lost one.

Who can apply

The holder of the existing title, or their registered attorney.

  • I hold the title
  • I am applying for the company that holds it
  • I am the holder's attorney (registered power of attorney)

What you receive

A recertified C of O (AB/LND/RCRT/…); the old title is marked superseded on the register.

What you will need

Your application asks only for what your answers call for. Clear scans or photographs (PDF, JPG or PNG) are fine.

  • Evidence of the change of name Required If: The reason is The holder's name has changed
  • Scan of the original C of O Required If: Do you have the original certificate is Yes — I will surrender it on collection
  • Holder's means of identification Required
  • Affidavit of loss Required If: Do you have the original certificate is No — it was lost or destroyed
  • Police report Required If: Do you have the original certificate is No — it was lost or destroyed
  • Newspaper notice of loss Required If: Do you have the original certificate is No — it was lost or destroyed
  • Copy of the survey plan Required If: Survey plan is It was registered before this platform — I will upload a copy
  • Ground-rent receipts (optional)
  • Certificate of incorporation (CAC) Required If you apply as: i am applying for the company that holds it
  • CAC status report (or Forms CAC 2 and 7) Required If you apply as: i am applying for the company that holds it
  • Board resolution authorising the application Required If you apply as: i am applying for the company that holds it
  • Approval for a non-Nigerian to hold land (if already obtained) (optional) If: Nationality is Not Nigerian
  • Court processes, judgment or settlement on the dispute (optional) If: Is the land the subject of a dispute or a court case is Yes
  • The mortgage or charge document (optional) If: Is the land mortgaged or pledged as security for a debt is Yes
  • Copy of the Government notice Required If: Has Government served any notice to acquire or revoke the land is Yes

How it is processed

  1. Registry vetting
  2. Survey check
  3. BIR assessment and payment
  4. Legal review
  5. Director's recommendation
  6. Approval
  7. Governor's approval
  8. Issuance
  9. Release

Each stage is decided by the officer responsible for it, and approvals by officers who took no other part in the case. You are told at every step.

What is checked

  • The title is on the register, active and held by the owner
  • No caveat, court order, pending suit or acquisition on the land
  • For an attorney: a registered power of attorney naming you, from the owner, covering this land and this purpose
  • No other application for the same land is open
  • The holder's tax clearance, and capital gains tax or stamp duty where the transaction attracts them (Board of Internal Revenue)