Under the Land Use Act, any transfer of a statutory right of occupancy requires the Governor’s consent. Transactions completed without it remain vulnerable long after the purchase price has been paid.
Why Consent Matters
Without consent, the assignment is inchoate. The buyer cannot register the instrument and may struggle to defend possession against competing claims.
Lenders will rarely accept unperfected title as security, limiting the property’s commercial utility.
The Process in Practice
Application, charting, valuation, payment of consent and capital gains fees, stamping and registration form the core sequence.
Timelines vary by state; Lagos transactions typically move fastest where documentation is complete at filing.
Closing the Gap on Old Purchases
Historic purchases can often be regularised, though cooperation from the original assignor may be required.
Acting early is cheaper than resolving the issue during a sale or financing round.
Key Takeaways
- Treat consent as part of completion, not an afterthought
- Budget consent and stamping fees into the purchase price
- Regularise legacy titles before you need to sell
