This is the question that keeps many Nigerians awake at night. You’ve saved money to buy land, but which document truly protects your investment? Let me break this down in simple terms. 

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the strongest land title in Nigeria. It’s issued by the state government and gives you 99 years of legal ownership. Think of it as the “birth certificate” of your land. With a C of O, you can use your land as collateral for loans, sell it easily, and no one can dispute your ownership. 

Deed of Assignment is a document that transfers ownership from one person to another. It’s like a receipt that shows you bought the land. However, it’s only as strong as the seller’s title. If the seller doesn’t have proper title, your deed of assignment is worthless. 

Here’s the truth: many lands in Nigeria are sold with only deed of assignment. This doesn’t make them illegal, but it makes them riskier. Before buying, always verify the seller’s title. If they have C of O, you’re safer. If they only have deed of assignment, investigate further. 

My advice? Always process your C of O after buying land, even if it costs extra. The peace of mind is worth the investment. Don’t let anyone convince you that deed of assignment is enough – your future self will thank you for getting proper documentation.