GUIDE TO OBTAINING CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

C of O Oyo STate

Certificate of Occupancy (“C of O”) is an important title document issued by the Oyo State Government as proof of a person’s legal interest in land. It confers statutory rights over the property and is often required for transactions such as property sales, development financing, and other dealings involving land.

This article provides an overview of the requirements, process, and applicable fees for obtaining a C of O in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Requirements for Application

The following documents are typically required when applying for a C of O in Oyo State:

  1. Registered Survey Plan
  2. Passport Photograph of the Applicant
  3. Means of Identification (National ID, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, etc.)
  4. Original Land Agreement
  5. Original Land Purchase Receipt
  6. Photograph of the Property
  7. Affidavit (where applicable)
  8. CAC Registration Documents (where the applicant is a company)
  9. Company Seal (for corporate applicants)

Charges and Fees

Below is the list of the official charges applicable to the C of O process in Oyo State:

  • General Charges
  1. Verification of Survey Plan
  2. Application Fee
  3. Land Use Charge
  • Processing Fee in accordance with the schedule below (subject to change by the relevant government authorities):
RESIDENTIAL LANDCOMMERCIAL LANDAGRICULTURAL LAND
TypeAmountTypeAmountTypeAmount
Virgin Land₦150,000Small Scale (1,0002–

2,5002)

₦250,0000 – 5 Acres₦200,000
Bungalow₦170,000Medium Scale

(2,5002 – 4,0002)

₦300,0005.1 – 10

Acres

₦300,000
Storey Building – 1floor₦200,000Large Scale (4,0002 – 10,0002)₦350,00010.1 – 20

Acres

₦350,000
Storey Building – 2floors & above₦220,000Schools, Private

Cemetry, Hospitals etc.

₦400,00020.1 – 50

Acres

₦600,000
Residential

Commercial –

Housing Estates

₦400,000Petrol Station, Gas

Plant,Warehouses,

Event Centres etc

₦550,00050 Acres

&  above

₦750,000

 

The Application Process

Application Submission

The Applicant is expected to compile and submit the Registered Survey Plan and other required documents, including the land agreement, receipts, photographs, and means of identification. These documents will be submitted alongside the duly completed the official C of O application form and evidence of payment of fees.

Land Verification

The Government officials will conduct a verification process to confirm the authenticity and correctness of the survey plan and also confirm if the land Agreement conforms with the requisite standard.

Publication and Objections

The State Government shall publish the application in a national newspaper to allow for any public objections. If no objections are raised, the process will proceed further.

Land Inspection

The land will be inspected by the officials to ensure it is free from government acquisition or any other encumbrance and to confirm the correctness of the survey plan.

Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy

Once all requirements are met, the C of O is issued and signed by the Executive Governor of Oyo State or an authorised representative.

Timeline

The duration for obtaining a C of O can vary and is subject to government processing timelines.

Conclusion

Securing a Certificate of Occupancy in Oyo State is an important step towards protecting the interest in landed property. The process involves legal documentation, government verification, and payment of prescribed fees as stated above. With proper guidance and representation, the process can be completed efficiently and seamlessly within a reasonable time.

 

By the Real Estate and Property Law Department of Aekley Solicitors, Nigeria.