How to Verify the Authenticity of a C of O in Anambra

Is there a way to verify the validity of a C of O in Anambra? The answer is yes and we will prove it to you.

A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is one of the strongest land titles that show ownership. As a buyer, once a seller shows you his/her C of O, you might feel relieved, thinking you’re dealing with a legitimate owner.

But should you just take their word for it? Absolutely, not. In Nigeria, especially in Anambra, verifying the authenticity of a C of O before purchasing any property is as important as getting the property in question.

It could be the difference between owning your dream property or losing your hard-earned money.

If you’re currently wondering how you can verify the authenticity of a C of O in Anambra, you’re at the right place. This article will break down the process so you can make a safe and secure property purchase.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document issued by the state government that officially confirms the ownership rights of an individual or entity over a piece of land.

In Nigeria, land ownership is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, which puts all land in the state under the control of the governor.

The C of O usually contains:

The name of the landowner.
The size and location of the land.
The purpose for which the land is to be used (e.g., residential, commercial, agricultural).
The lease term is usually 99 years for private landowners.

Why Do You Need to Verify a C of O in Anambra?

A fake or invalid C of O could leave you in serious trouble. Imagine paying millions of naira for a piece of land, only to discover later that the C of O is forged or the land has been sold to multiple buyers.

Verifying a C of O protects you from:

Fraudulent Sales: Some sellers might present fake or cloned documents. Proper verification will fish them out and help you ensure the land truly belongs to the seller.
Disputed Ownership: Oftentimes, a genuine-looking C of O might be tied up in legal Lands without legitimate C of O could be reclaimed by the government without compensation. With land prices in Anambra averaging ₦3 million to ₦15 million per plot in urban areas like Awka and Onitsha, verifying the C of O is a small price to pay for peace of midisputes. And you may not know this, but a proper verification could expose these disputes.
Government Seizures:

Also Read:

Steps to Verify the Authenticity of a C of O in Anambra

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you verify a C of O before making any payments:

1. Inspect the C of O Document

The first step is to request a copy of the C of O from the Seller. When you have obtained a clear copy of the Certificate of Occupancy from the seller, carefully examine the C of O document itself. Look out for:

Name of the Title Holder: Ensure the seller’s name matches the name on the document.

Plot and Survey Number: Cross-check these details against official records.

Signatures and Stamps: Genuine C of O documents have official stamps and authorized signatures from relevant government bodies. Look for the governor’s signature and official seals; if they appear faded or out of place, it’s a warning sign.

We advise that you should be cautious of documents that look too new or have inconsistent fonts and poorly printed seals.

Also examine the document for obvious signs of forgery such as:

Spelling errors: Authentic C of Os rarely have mistakes in the text.

Quality of the paper: Genuine C of Os are printed on high-quality, government-standard paper.

2. Conduct a Land Search at the Anambra State Ministry of Lands

The next critical step is conducting a land search at the Ministry of Lands in Awka, Anambra State.

The Anambra State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development is the authorized body responsible for issuing and verifying Certificates of Occupancy.

Documents to bring to the Ministry are:

A photocopy of the C of O you wish to verify.
Your identification (e.g., national ID card or driver’s license).
Payment receipt for verification fees.

Here’s how to go about it:

Visit the Lands Office: Go to the Anambra State Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning, and Rural Development Office along Ezennia Chike Okagbue, Boulevard, Ahacol Phase I, Agu-Awka GRA, Awka, Anambra State.

Provide Necessary Details: Present the survey plan, plot number, and C of O number.

Pay the Required Fee: There’s usually a search fee. Pay the fee and endeavor to get a receipt for every payment you make.

Wait for Verification Results: The search process might take a few days or weeks. So, be patient as they process your search query.

3. Conduct a Survey Plan Verification

A survey plan is another important document tied to the C of O. To get the best of this search, you may need to engage a licensed surveyor to confirm that the survey plan aligns with government records.

The surveyor will visit the site, take coordinates, and cross-check the data with the office of the Surveyor-General in Anambra.

A licensed surveyor can confirm whether the coordinates and description of the land on the C of O match the actual land in question. This step is especially important for lands located in rural areas of Anambra.

4. Verify at the Anambra Geographic Information System (ANAMGIS)

Anambra State has a digital land management system, the Anambra Geographic Information System (ANAMGIS). Here’s how to use it:

Visit the ANAMGIS Portal: Log on to the official ANAMGIS website.

Enter Property Details: Input the property details such as C of O number and plot number.

Check for Matches: The system will display the land’s current status, including ownership details.

5. Engage a Property Lawyer

Hiring a property lawyer can simplify the verification process. A skilled lawyer can conduct independent searches since they have access to legal and land registries.

They can also review documents. This means they can easily review the entire document set to check for inconsistencies.

Finally, they can help you negotiate and prepare agreements. So, after verification, if you are satisfied and want to go ahead with the transaction, the lawyer can help you draft legally binding sale agreements.

6. Visit the Local Community and Stakeholders

In Anambra, traditional land sales still involve community leaders, elders, and family heads. Visit the local community where the property is located and ask questions. Inquire about the property’s history.

Also, if you can, meet the traditional ruler (Igwe). Local chiefs can confirm whether the land is under any family or communal dispute.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

When verifying a C of O in Anambra, be cautious of these warning signs:

Different Names on Documents: If the seller’s name doesn’t match the C of O, it’s time to abort the mission.

Multiple Claims on the Property: Be alert if several people claim ownership. If this happens, walk away.

Unregistered Survey Plans: An unregistered survey plan is a major red flag.

Unwillingness to Allow Verification: Genuine sellers will cooperate with verification processes.

Faded or Blurry Documents: Genuine C of Os are printed on quality paper with visible details. Anything otherwise could be a glaring red flag.

Suspicious Urgency: If the seller is pushing for a quick sale, be cautious.

Incorrect Land Descriptions: Ensure that the land’s coordinates match the description on the C of O. If it doesn’t, you need to be careful.

Also Read:

How Much Does C of O Verification Cost in Anambra?

The cost of verifying a C of O in Anambra varies depending on factors such as:

Search Fees: Official land search fees are relatively affordable. However, you may need to go to the Ministry to get the current official figure.

Survey Plan Verification: Engaging a surveyor could cost between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000.

Lawyer Fees: Property lawyers may charge between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000 for full verification services.

As you prepare your budget for this process, keep in mind that these figures are subject to change based on current government policies.

Protect Your Interest With Accurate C of O Verification

In Anambra, land is a valuable asset, and a Certificate of Occupancy is a major document that confirms ownership. However, it’s not enough to simply see a C of O. You need to take it a step further through verification.

Regardless of whether the person presenting the C of O is your friend or business partner, verifying its authenticity is essential to avoid legal troubles and real estate scams.

So, take your time and follow the steps we explained. Finally, ensure your purchase is legitimate before committing any funds. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

To explore any of our real estate investment packages like land banking, retirement plan, kids education investment plan, trade apprenticeship plan or if you want to purchase some plots where you will have residential or commercial buildings, send an email to us at info@affablehomes.com.ng or call +2349134056630.

How to Verify the Authenticity of a C of O in Anambra

What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

Why Do You Need to Verify a C of O in Anambra?