The lack of land registration affects:

•Access to mortgage and credit

•Housing development

•Investor confidence

•Formal property ownership

Efforts to reform the system have not solved the core issues. Bureaucratic delays, high registration costs, and widespread corruption remain common across most states.

Across Nigeria, the story is the same. From Lagos to Kano, Abuja to Adamawa, property owners face endless delays and unclear processes.

Dr. Esther Oromidayo Thontteh, a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, shared a personal experience in Ikeja GRA. Her company paid the required fees and submitted all documents, yet waited over six months without approval.

“We paid everything and used one of their officers,” she said. “Six months later, nothing. They kept saying they were verifying receipts.”

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Beyond delays, multiple fees discourage landowners. In Lagos, one developer paid ₦450,000 for safety approval alone. The charges included:

•₦300,000 for risk assessment

•₦50,000 for safety plan checks

•₦100,000 for a compliance certificate

This is in addition to mandatory on-site safety installations and insurance coverage.

In many states, landowners must visit up to 17 different agencies to process a title.

Despite promises, most states process few applications. For example:

•Lagos: Less than 25% of buildings are approved

•Ogun: Title approval can take up to 4 years

•Taraba: Issued only 392 C-of-Os in 9 years

•FCT: Issued just 8,400 C-of-Os from 2010 to 2023

A National Bureau of Statistics report confirms that only 13.2% of landowners have title deeds, and only 8.1% hold official Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os).

Experts want the system simplified and digitized. Muyiwa Adelu, former head of ATOPCON, said:

“Delays discourage people. If you apply and hear nothing for months, why bother? Technology should speed things up not slow them down.”

Akintoye Adeoye, President of REDAN, added:

“The process must be simplified. Land titling should support housing development not be a way to generate government revenue.”

Adele Adeniji of FIABCI-Africa emphasized the cost of inaction:

“No bank will fund a large project without a land title. Without reform, growth in the sector is impossible.”

The solution is clear. For Nigeria to unlock the full potential of its property sector, the land titling process must become fast, transparent, and affordable. Until then, much of the country’s land will remain idle unable to drive development or create wealth.

The post Why Property Owners Shun Land Titles in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

As the cost of rent continues to rise, particularly in the capital city of Umuahia, the government is working closely with private developers. This collaboration seeks to create sustainable solutions that will balance the housing market and ease the burden on tenants.

Government’s Commitment to Housing Expansion

Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije, emphasized at a press conference in Umuahia that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is fully committed to expanding the state’s housing capacity. He acknowledged that the skyrocketing cost of rent is driven by the fundamental forces of demand and supply. More people are seeking accommodation than the available housing stock can support.

Rather than attempting to regulate rent prices directly, which would likely be ineffective in a free-market economy, the government has opted for a strategic approach. It plans to increase the supply of homes through the construction of new estates.

A Surge in Migration and Property Demand

Abia has gained a reputation as an attractive destination for businesses and individuals looking to relocate. As a result, the state has seen a significant influx of people. The administration has successfully fostered a business-friendly environment, leading to a surge in investments and migration.

This increased demand has inevitably put pressure on available housing and driven up property values. Chukwumereije emphasized that the government’s response is to create more opportunities for homeownership and rental options. To achieve this, it is working with reputable private developers to establish modern housing estates across different locations.

Providing Affordable Housing Options

The estates will cater to various income levels, with a strong focus on providing low-cost housing for those in need of affordable accommodation. By addressing the housing deficit from the supply side, the government aims to create a more balanced market. As more options become available, rents are expected to stabilize naturally.

Enforcement of Land Title Recertification and Rent Demand Notices

In addition to unveiling new housing initiatives, the Abia State government is intensifying its enforcement of land title recertification and rent demand notices. Chukwumereije announced that property owners who have not yet complied with the recertification process, which began in May 2024, will now face legal action.

Multiple grace periods have already been granted. However, the government has set a firm deadline of 14 days for property owners to submit their title documents. Failure to do so will result in full legal enforcement.

Regulating Real Estate Transactions for Transparency

The commissioner stressed that the enforcement process applies to all existing housing estates in Abia. This includes key locations such as IBB Phase I, Agbama, Ehimiri, Isieke, and the World Bank Estates in both Umuahia and Aba.

This move is part of a broader effort to streamline property ownership, eliminate irregularities in land documentation, and ensure that real estate transactions in the state remain transparent and properly regulated.

A Promising Future for Housing in Abia

As the government pushes forward with these initiatives, residents and investors can look forward to improved access to quality housing. The administration remains committed to creating an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive without the constant struggle of finding suitable accommodation.

With a clear strategy focused on expanding housing supply, enforcing property regulations, and maintaining a strong partnership with private developers, Abia is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban growth in Nigeria.

The post Abia Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Soaring Rent Prices with New Housing Estates appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Director-General of Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS), Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Garba, said that this improvement was part of the governor’s commitment to support the ease of doing business in the state.

Dr Garba stated that “Governor Uba Sani is one of the few governors  in Nigeria that have achieved this success. He is committed to creating a conducive business environment that encourages investment and economic growth in Kaduna state, provides jobs and improves Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)”

In a press statement issued on Saturday, KADGIS Director-General enumerated the process to be followed in order to obtain an accelerated C of O which attracts a higher fee.

‘’Upon acceptance of grant of Right of Occupancy perfection of deeds ( in the case of assignment) and payment of all  requisite  fees, a Certificate of Occupancy is generated in KADGIS.

‘’The draft certificate  undergoes   thorough quality check to ensure that all errors which were  commonly found on C of Os prior to May 29th, 2023,  are eliminated before it is printed and forwarded to  the Governor for execution,’’ he added.

According to Dr Garba, the governor will then promptly execute and return  the document to KADGIS within 24 hours for scanning, registration and recording at  the Deed Registry.

The Director-General added that the document will then be forwarded to Conveyance Unit of the Customer Service, which will contact the owner for collection.

He advised customers who have ‘’applied for C of Os but were unable to get them within the record 24 hours, to immediately contact KADGIS for further clarification and guidance.’’

According to him, long delays in the issuance of C of Os, may either be as a result of incomplete information or other related queries, adding that in most cases, KADGIS staff must have contacted this category of customers by phone without success.

He advised land owners to process and secure their C of Os because the documents ‘’will give them legitimacy and needed recognition as the legal owners of their property by government.’’

The post How Uba Sani simplified issuance of land title in Kaduna – Official appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A land title search helps you verify the legal ownership of the land and check for any encumbrances that could affect its transfer or usage.

Given that land ownership in Ghana can be complex due to an incomplete land registry system, overlapping claims, and fraudulent practices, a thorough title search is crucial to protect your interests.

Understanding Land Titles in Ghana

Land titles in Ghana are legal documents that confirm ownership, size, location, and boundaries of the land. There are three main types of titles:

READ ALSO: Report Reveals Less Than 10% of Land in Nigeria Is Titled

• Freehold: Grants full ownership rights.
• Leasehold: Time-limited ownership, subject to rent and conditions.
• Customary Title: Based on traditional systems, often requiring conversion to statutory titles for legal recognition.

The Lands Commission is responsible for registering land titles. However, the registry system is not fully computerized, which makes title searches more challenging.

Steps to Conducting a Land Title Search in Ghana

Conducting a land title search involves the following steps:

1. Online Search

The Lands Commission provides an online portal where you can search for registered titles by entering the owner’s name, land location, or registration number. Keep in mind that this database may not contain all records due to the system’s limitations.

2. Physical Search

You can visit the regional or district Lands Commission office where the land is located and request a search of the land registry. Provide the landowner’s name, the land’s location, and other details. The Lands Commission will provide a report detailing the title’s status, including any encumbrances and past transactions.

READ ALSO:Dangote refinery land: Group, Ibeju-Lekki residents sue Lagos govt over $100m compensation

3. Title Verification

Hiring a lawyer or a title verification company can help ensure the authenticity of the title. This process may involve reviewing documents, speaking with the landowner and stakeholders, and inspecting the land. A title verification report will provide a comprehensive review of the land’s legal standing, potential risks, and necessary next steps.

Key Documents Required for a Land Title Search

• Proof of ownership (e.g., deed of conveyance, lease agreement, or customary land document)
• Identification of the landowner (e.g., passport or driver’s license)
• Proof of payment for land taxes and fees
• Survey plans, building permits, and relevant court rulings if applicable

Challenges and Tips for Conducting a Land Title Search

Conducting a land title search in Ghana can be challenging due to several issues:

1. Incomplete Land Registry

Since the land registry isn’t fully computerized, it can be difficult to search titles and verify their authenticity. To address this, use multiple sources (online and physical searches) and consider professional assistance.

2. Overlapping Claims

Land disputes are common, with multiple parties sometimes claiming ownership. It’s essential to examine the land’s history thoroughly and consult a lawyer to interpret any potential red flags.

3. Fraudulent Practices

Fraud is a significant issue, with some people attempting to sell land they don’t legally own. Always verify title documents, physically inspect the land, and be cautious with deals that seem too good to be true.

4. Inadequate Documentation

Some land transactions are based on customary practices and may lack formal documentation. In such cases, consulting a land expert familiar with Ghana’s customary land tenure can help you navigate these challenges.

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Land Title Searches in Ghana appeared first on Housing TV Africa.