Legal & Title Guide 6 min read · 28 August 2026
C of O vs Governor's Consent: What You're Actually Buying
Two of the most misused terms in Nigerian real estate. Here's the difference and why it matters for the safety of your money.
What You Need to Know
This is a structured summary written by the The Expert Homes insights team. For a property-specific question on anything in this guide, message our consultants directly — we reply during business hours and the advice is free.
Key points
- Verify every document through official registries — never rely on photocopies or verbal assurances.
- Confirm the seller's name matches the title, and that Governor's Consent or transfer documents are in hand.
- Budget for the full cost — agency, legal, stamp duty and government fees — not just the headline price.
- Ask for everything in writing, and let independent counsel review before you pay.
From our legal desk
If you are making a decision on the strength of this article, remember that no two transactions are identical. A quick title review by our counsel costs you nothing and can save you years of litigation. RC 1476024 — trusted across Nigeria since 2012.