Governor’s Consent is the step that turns a handshake and a deed into a title the state recognises. It is also the step most Nigerian buyers skip, and the reason a large share of property disputes end badly for the buyer.
This guide explains what it is, what it now costs in Lagos, and how the process actually runs.
What Governor’s Consent is
Under the Land Use Act 1978, land in a state is vested in the Governor. When you buy land covered by a right of occupancy, the transfer of that right requires the Governor’s consent. Without it, the transfer is not effective in law and the state record remains in the seller’s name.
Practically, that means you can have a signed deed of assignment, a receipt, keys and a housewarming – and still not own the land in a way any bank, court or subsequent buyer will recognise.
What it costs in Lagos in 2026
Consent fees are calculated on the assessed value of the land, not on what you paid. As land values have risen, the fees have risen with them.
| Area | Consent fee, 2015 | Consent fee, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Lekki Phase 1 | ₦12m – ₦18m | ₦40m – ₦90m |
That jump is not a fee increase in the ordinary sense. It follows the land: a Lekki Phase 1 parcel valued at ₦250 million in 2015 is now valued at ₦800 million to ₦1.5 billion, and the consent fee is a percentage of that.
The same effect appears elsewhere:
- Ikoyi: properties that attracted consent fees on a ₦25–40 million valuation are now valued at ₦100–250 million.
- Banana Island waterfront: a buyer of a ₦10 billion property should budget ₦700 million to ₦1 billion for perfection.
The practical consequence is that consent is no longer a rounding error. On prime Lagos land it can be a material percentage of the purchase price, and it must be budgeted at the point of offer, not discovered at the point of closing.
Why the state charges it
Consent is the mechanism by which the state tracks who holds rights over land, collects land-based revenue, and prevents transfers it has not approved. It is also, for the buyer, the moment the record changes to your name.
The Land Use Act does not permit a transfer without it. A deed of assignment alone transfers the parties’ agreement, not the state’s recognition.
Documents usually required
Requirements are published by the Lands Bureau and change occasionally. In practice the file typically includes:
- The application form, completed by the buyer or their solicitor
- The seller’s Certificate of Occupancy, where one exists
- A deed of assignment or the draft deed
- A registered survey plan of the land
- Evidence of payment of ground rent and land use charge
- Tax clearance and identification documents
- Receipts for the assessed fees
Missing ground rent is one of the most common causes of delay, and the buyer usually inherits the arrears.
The process, step by step
- Search the land at the Lands Bureau before applying. You want to know whether the plot is free, acquired, or encumbered.
- Prepare the deed of assignment and have it executed by both parties.
- Apply for consent through the Bureau, submitting the file.
- Receive the assessment – this is where the fee is set, based on the state’s valuation of the land.
- Pay the assessed fees and obtain receipts.
- Collect the consent and register the deed.
Steps 4 and 6 are where the time goes. A clean file on already-registered land moves in months. A file with unresolved title, missing ground rent receipts or a disputed boundary can run far longer.
The consequences of skipping it
The state record stays in the seller’s name. If the seller later sells the same land to someone else, or their family disputes the sale, your deed is a private contract and the registry shows them as the holder.
You cannot finance it. Banks lend against registered, consented titles. A deed without consent is difficult to mortgage, which also narrows who you can sell to.
Resale becomes a problem. The next buyer’s lawyer will search the registry and find the seller’s name, not yours. That is when the discount appears.
Frequently asked questions
Is Governor’s Consent the same as a C of O?
No. The C of O is the original grant of a right of occupancy. Governor’s Consent is the state’s approval of a later transfer of that right. You need the second even when the first already exists.
How much is Governor’s Consent in Lagos?
It is a percentage of the state’s assessed value, so the figure varies by location. In Lekki Phase 1 the fee has moved from ₦12–18 million in 2015 to ₦40–90 million in 2026. On Banana Island waterfront, perfection can run to ₦700 million to ₦1 billion on a ₦10 billion property.
How long does consent take?
Months on a clean file. Longer where ground rent is unpaid, the survey does not match, or the prior title is incomplete. No honest answer is a fixed number of weeks.
Who pays for consent, buyer or seller?
It is negotiable and should be settled in writing before payment. The buyer usually bears it, but on larger transactions it is frequently split or built into the price. Decide it before you sign anything.
Can I buy without consent and apply later?
People do, and some succeed. You are then holding an unperfected title for an indefinite period, with the state record still in the seller’s name. The risk sits entirely with you.
Does consent apply outside Lagos?
Yes. Every state administers consent over rights of occupancy it has granted. In the FCT the equivalent approval comes from the FCT Administration.
Last updated: October 2026. Fee examples are from Lagos land transaction reporting, August 2026. Fees are assessed on current state valuations and change; confirm the current schedule with the Lagos State Lands Bureau. General information, not legal advice.
