When it comes to land transactions, many people assume these documents mean the same thing.

They do not.

Each serves a distinct purpose and carries a different legal weight.

1. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C of O)
A Certificate of Occupancy is an official document issued by the government confirming a person’s legal right to use and occupy land.

It is evidence of a Right of Occupancy under the Land Use Act and is typically granted for a term of 99 years, subject to renewal.

It remains one of the strongest proofs of title in Nigeria.

Example:
The government allocates land to Mr. A and issues him a Certificate of Occupancy for 99 years. He is recognized as the lawful holder of that land.

2. DEED OF ASSIGNMENT
A Deed of Assignment is the document used to transfer ownership of land from one person to another.

It shows that the seller has transferred their interest to the buyer.

For it to have full legal effect, it must be properly executed, stamped, and registered.

Example:
Mr. Ade sells his land to Mr. Bode, a Deed of Assignment is prepared and executed to transfer ownership to Mr. Bode.

3. LAND PURCHASE RECEIPT
A land purchase receipt is only evidence that payment was made for a particular land.

It does not transfer ownership on it’s own. A full reliance on a land purchase receipt as a prove of ownership is risky.

Example:
You pay for land and receive a receipt from the seller. Without a Deed of Assignment or proper title documents, you may not be recognized as the legal owner.

🥢Certificate of Occupancy= Government-recognized title.

🥢Deed of Assignment=Transfer of ownership.

🥢Land Purchase Receipt=Evidence of payment only.

Do not mistake payment for ownership.

Secure your interest the right way.

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