What a global C of O gives a buyer
Many estates are sold under one C of O for the whole site. The developer or landowner holds that title, divides the land into plots or units on an approved layout, and sells them one by one.
What you receive. You do not get your own C of O at first. Only the state governor, or the FCT Minister in Abuja, can issue a C of O, so a developer cannot create one for your plot. Instead the holder passes part of its right to you by a deed of sublease or a deed of assignment.
Perfecting your deed. Under the Land Use Act, transferring or subleasing a statutory right of occupancy needs the Governor's Consent. After consent, the deed should be stamped and registered at the state land registry. Until those steps are done, your interest is not perfected and is harder to sell, mortgage or defend.
Sublease or assignment. A sublease is carved out of the holder's term. It ends before the global title does, and at its end the land goes back to the head holder; renewal follows the head title. An assignment passes the rest of the term for your portion.
Searching the title. Because many buyers share one title, you will usually be shown only a copy. Ask for a certified true copy and have your lawyer search the record at the land registry yourself.
Excised land. Where community land has been released from government acquisition by excision, the release is gazetted and the title for the whole area may be issued in the family's or community's name. Check the gazette and that your plot lies inside the excised area.
What to check
- A land search on the global C of O, confirming it is genuine, in the seller's or owner's name, and not mortgaged or disputed.
- Whether the person signing your deed holds the title, or is a developer acting for the owner; ask for the development agreement or power of attorney.
- Chart the estate survey and confirm your plot is on the approved layout and inside the land the title covers.
- Whether you will get a sublease or an assignment, and how much of the term remains.
- Who will apply for consent and register your deed, and what it will cost.
- Whether the developer plans to subdivide the title so plots can carry their own titles, and when.
Red flags
- A global C of O presented as your plot's own title.
- Only photocopies, or a title number the registry cannot trace.
- A developer who is not the title holder and cannot show the owner's authority.
- No plan to perfect your deed, or a refusal to let your lawyer review it.
- Plots sold on land outside the boundary the C of O covers.
- A mortgage registered against the global title with no release.
Global C of O vs Individual C of O
| Aspect | Global C of O | Individual C of O |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | A whole estate or large parcel | One plot |
| Held by | The developer or original owner | The plot owner |
| What a buyer receives | A deed of sublease or assignment from the holder | The certificate, or a consented deed from the seller |
| Consent for the buyer's deed | Needed | Needed for any later transfer |
| Main risk | Your interest depends on the head title staying clean | Forgery or earlier claims to the plot |
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Questions
Is a global C of O good for buying land?
It can be, if the head title is genuine and clean and your own deed is perfected with consent and registration. Your security depends on both the global title and your deed.
What is the difference between global C of O and individual C of O?
A global C of O covers a whole estate and is held by the developer or owner. An individual C of O covers one plot and is held by that plot's owner.
Can I get my own C of O from a global C of O?
Not from the developer: only the governor or the FCT Minister issues a C of O. Some developers later subdivide the title so plots can carry their own titles. Ask whether that is planned.
What document should I get in a global C of O estate?
A deed of sublease or deed of assignment signed by the title holder, then Governor's Consent and registration at the land registry.
Do I need Governor's Consent for a plot under a global C of O?
Yes. Subleasing or assigning a statutory right of occupancy needs the Governor's Consent under the Land Use Act.
Related terms
Sources
- 1. Land Use Act 1978 (Cap L5 LFN 2004) Federal Republic of Nigeria (via PLAC Laws of Nigeria) · checked 18 October 2026
- 2. Nigeria: real estate legislation DLA Piper Real World · checked 18 October 2026
- 3. The Certificate of Occupancy versus the Deed of Sublease: what the house owner should know (2) (30 Jun 2017) BusinessDay · checked 18 October 2026
- 4. Off plan property purchase: what prospective buyers/sellers should consider (Greychapel Legal, 22 Nov 2018) Mondaq · checked 18 October 2026
- 5. Understanding land title documents BusinessDay · checked 18 October 2026
- 6. Land documents in Lagos: how to buy a house in Lagos, Nigeria (Resolution Law Firm, 20 Oct 2020) Mondaq · checked 18 October 2026
- 7. Guide to buying land in Lekki (Resolution Law Firm, 25 Nov 2020) Mondaq · checked 18 October 2026
- 8. Lagos Assembly orders C of O for Eputu community land excision (29 Apr 2026) Radio Nigeria Lagos (Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria) · checked 18 October 2026
Cite this definition
"Global C of O", Nigeria Property Centre Property Glossary, last checked 19 October 2026, https://nigeriapropertycentre.com/glossary/global-c-of-o
You may reuse this definition under CC BY 4.0 with credit to Nigeria Property Centre and a link to this page.
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