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Having Shelter is at the very top of human needs according to Abraham
Maslow and getting a good one is even better. Everyone needs an attorney
to be able to navigate legal matters especially with respect to property
ownership in Abuja. It is also important to understand the basic Laws
surrounding property ownership so one can make informed decisions and
with that in mind, I will be offering some insights here.
Property ownership laws in Abuja are primarily governed by Nigerian federal
and local laws, with specific regulations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Here’s an overview of key aspects.
Land Title System in Abuja
Abuja operates under a statutory land title system, primarily governed by
the Land Use Act of 1978. Under this act, All Land comprised in the territory
of each state in the Federation is vested in the governor of that state and in
the case of FCT, it is under the jurisdiction of the Minister of the FCT who is
in charge of the Federal Capital development Authorrity (FCDA)
Types of Land Title Documents in Abuja
Certificate of Ownership (C Of O)
This is the highest form of Land tenure for private ownership. It is issued by
the minister of the FCT. It vests absolute ownership rights over the land.
Acquiring C of O is quite a process and, in most cases, takes a lot of time to
finally acquire.
Right of Occupancy (R of O)
This is a document that grants the holder right to use of the property for a
period of time usually 99 years. It is renewable upon expiration. While it is
not absolute as C of O, it does provide a good level of security and is valid
for collateral use.
Deed of Assignment:
This is used to transfer ownership from one party to another. While it may
not provide as much security as the aforementioned documents, it is
recognized in FCT as a valid title document. This is also similar to another
title document known as the deed of Assignment with power of Attorney. In
this case an individual is able to assign rights of their property to another
person through the power of an attorney.
Key Regulation
Land Use Act of 1978: This sets the framework for Land ownership,
regulating how land is allocated, issued or transferred.
Land Registration Laws: Property must be registered with the Abuja
Geographic Information System (AGIS). This also serves as a database where
land verification is carried out. It is normally recommended to have your
attorney reach out to AGIS to verify the legitimacy of any property you
intend to acquire in FCT.
Building and Planning Regulations: Developers and property owners must
adhere to Abuja’s building codes and urban planning regulations. This is why
approvals are done through FCDA for FCDA properties before building can
commence and inspection also happens all the way through until the
building is completed.
Process of Acquiring Property
Verification: Due diligence to verify ownership and land title at the land
registry (AGIS).
Application: Submission of application for a Statutory Right of Occupancy or
lease.
Approval: FCDA approval, especially for significant land parcels.
Registration: Registration of the title deed at the Land Registry to secure
ownership rights.
Conclusion:
Acquiring a property in Nigeria mya seem like an insurmountable task but
with the right knowledge, you can get it done. We recommend partnering
with Arya Realities where we value integrity over profit. Here at Arya, we are
available 247 to provide you with all the necessary information you need to
make informed decisions.