How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O ) for Your Land in Anambra

For many land buyers, getting the Certificate of Occupancy is the most difficult stage in owning a land in Anambra. From different accounts by people, getting the Certificate of Occupancy took months and even years of back-and-forth process. But is it the same in every state in Nigeria? 

The process is usually lengthy due to logistics and the system’s shortcomings. Still, Anambra state has been a positive example, with the issuance of the certificate taking just 30 days or 11 days provided all required documents are readily available, and there are plans to further reduce it to 72 hours by digitising and automating the process. In this article, we will learn what a CofO is and the steps to obtaining it in Anambra state.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy in Anambra State?

Certificate of Occupancy of C of O is a legal document issued to land owners by the government that certifies land ownership.

C of O is a very important document that bestows some benefits to the land owner, like the right to compensation in a case of government acquisition. The certificate also protects the landowner from fraudulent claims.

What is the Difference Between a Deed of Assignment and a Certificate of Occupancy in Anambra?

The deed of Assignment is a document proving that the land seller is the rightful owner and the transfer of ownership. At the same time, the Certificate of Occupancy certifies ownership and bestows the owner the right of occupancy. 

What Are the Documents You Need Before Applying for C of O?

• Two Passport-sized Photographs
• Land Transfer Documents (Original copy) such as Sales Agreement or Deed of Transfer or Inheritance Document
• 2 Survey Plans (Original copy)
• Evidence of Current Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Court Affidavit and Police Report for lost or stolen documents.
• A signed letter and photo ID of the authorised representative is required to use an Authorised Representative.
• In addition to the above documents, organisations must provide registration particulars, and at least two members (Directors or Director and secretary) must submit evidence of tax payment.

Also Read: Want to Invest in Igboland? Buy Properties in These Cities

How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O ) for Your Land in Anambra

After getting the documents ready, below are the steps for applying for the Certificate of Occupancy according to the Anambra State Ministry of Lands.

1. Visit the Ministry of Lands, Ezennia Chike Okagbue Boulevard, Alcohol Phase 1, Agu-Awka, GRA. It is located behind the Government House, Awka, Anambra State. Get your application and affidavit form for Certificate of Occupancy from the Land Use Office (LUO), Lands Department. The forms cost #2,000 only. 
2. Fill out the forms and answer all the sections correctly. After filling out the form, proceed to any court in Anambra State and swear an affidavit.
3. Get all the necessary land documents, preferably originals and ensure you have photocopies. If you ( the applicant) are absent, you can choose someone to represent them at the Land Use Office (LUO). The representative must go to the office with a letter of authority duly signed by you.
4. Using your ANSSID/ASIN number, pay a #50,000 non-refundable application fee in any commercial bank.
5. Submit all documents mentioned earlier with payment evidence to the secretary at the land unit of the land department of the Ministry of Lands Headquarters, Awka.
6. After the Vetting and Cadastral Units have cleared the documents, you will be notified by the Land Use Unit. However, if it still needs to be cleared, you will receive an incomplete application notice.
7. Once the process is successful, you will receive an allocation letter.
8. You will be notified via phone call or email for collection once the Certificate of Occupancy is ready.

What Are the Different Types of C of O?

There are three types of Certificate of Occupancy. They all serve the same purpose, which is confining the right of ownership, but in different ways. Below are the 3 types of C of O that you need to know in Anambra State before purchasing a property.

• Individual C of O: As the name implies, this is the certificate of occupancy that an individual receives.

• Global C of O: This is issued to real estate companies when they buy lands in large quantities for real estate development. This type of C of O covers all the occupants of the estate. 

• Government Allocated C of O: A government-allocated C of O is issued when the government sells the land, whether to an individual or real estate company.

Also Read: Fastest Developing Locations to Own a Land in Enugu City

Conclusion

The Certificate of Occupancy is what certifies you as a rightful owner of land. Without C of O, you run the risk of falling into the hands of land grabbers and scammers. In addition to that, you do not have the right to compensation from the government when they acquire your land.

With the plan of the Anambra state government to reduce the processing time to 72 hours through the digitisation and automation of the process, owning land in Anambra will become easier.

My name is Franklin. I’m here to help you own a property in any part of Igboland you desire to invest in. You can reach me on, +2349072987151.