Anambra Sets December 31 Deadline for Landowners to Update C of Os

The Anambra State Government has given landowners until December 31, 2026, to recertify their old Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) or risk losing access to key land-related transactions through the Ministry of Lands.

The directive was contained in a public notice dated September 1, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Lands, Mrs Nkeiru Mokwe.

The ministry said the existing land administration system would be shut down indefinitely after the December 31 deadline.

It explained that holders of old Certificates of Occupancy who fail to recertify their documents and have their records captured in the Anambra State Geographic Information System, ANAMGIS, will no longer be able to process certain transactions through the Ministry of Lands.

The ministry urged titleholders who have not yet started the recertification process to submit their applications without further delay.

According to the notice, holders of old C of Os are required to have their documents recertified and their records integrated into the ANAMGIS database before they can continue accessing the affected services under the state’s new land administration system.

The ministry stated that after the old system is shut down on December 31, holders of unrecertified C of Os would be unable to process transactions including mortgages, Deeds of Assignment, Certified True Copies and registration of Powers of Attorney through the Ministry of Lands.

The notice also affects other transactions that require processing through the ministry.

Only titleholders whose land records have been updated and captured in ANAMGIS will be able to carry out the affected transactions under the new system.

The recertification exercise is part of the state’s move to update existing land records and integrate them into its current digital land administration system.

Landowners with old Certificates of Occupancy who have not commenced the process are therefore expected to submit their applications before the December 31 deadline.

The ministry advised affected titleholders to complete the recertification process ahead of the deadline to protect their property interests and avoid difficulties when accessing land administration services.

The exercise specifically involves the recertification of existing Certificates of Occupancy and the capture of the associated land records in the ANAMGIS database.

Landowners who fail to complete the process will not be able to access the specified transactions through the Ministry of Lands once the old system is shut down.

However, the public notice does not state that an old Certificate of Occupancy will automatically become invalid after December 31.

Instead, the restriction concerns access to transactions that require processing through the Ministry of Lands under the old land administration system.

This means the December 31 deadline is primarily a requirement for landowners to update and integrate their existing records into the state’s current system, rather than an automatic cancellation of their Certificates of Occupancy.

The recertification exercise comes amid wider efforts to formalise land ownership and improve land records in Nigeria.

For landowners, updating existing documentation and ensuring that property records are properly captured in the state’s digital database can help facilitate future transactions involving their properties.

The Anambra Ministry of Lands has therefore encouraged holders of old C of Os who have yet to begin the recertification process to act before the December 31, 2026 deadline.

The post Landowners in Anambra Must Recertify Old C of Os Before December 31 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Members of the Brumuke Sana Family in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have protested over an unresolved compensation dispute involving land used for an oil and gas facility.

The family, supported by community members, held a peaceful protest last week against Renaissance African Energy Company Limited. The company now operates assets formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC).

The protesters accused the company of using their ancestral land without paying what they consider fair compensation. They carried placards calling for payment and recognition of their land rights.

Dispute Over 7,382.805 Square Metres

The dispute concerns about 7,382.805 square metres of land. The Brass Creek Oil and Gas Manifold and Heliport occupies the property.

The facility links the Tunu, Opukushi and Beniseide Flow Stations with the Forcados Terminal in neighbouring Delta State. The family says the land has supported oil operations for years without a settlement of its compensation claim.

Family representatives also alleged that they have not received royalties or other benefits linked to the use of the property.

Family Seeks Government Intervention

Community representatives said they have tried several ways to resolve the dispute. They said they sent petitions to Renaissance Energy, the Bayelsa State Government, the police, the Joint Task Force and other agencies.

Chief Ken Aguna and former community women leader Mrs Butter Felix-Anebi said the petitions have not produced a solution.

The family head, Bonaze Maxwell Brumuke, said the dispute has placed a heavy financial burden on him. The octogenarian has spent years pursuing the matter through petitions and court processes.

According to the family, Julius Berger assessed the land in 1993. They claim that the assessment did not lead to payment of compensation.

Community Leaders Support Land Claim

Traditional leaders from the Peretoru-Gbene Federated Communities have also backed the family’s claim.

Dr Timi Odikeme Okere (Foukeregha IV), the Secretary to the Chiefs Council, Awulu Dumbo, and Chief Edward Ayiba said the community recognises Brumuke as the legitimate owner of the disputed land.

Chief Osadebe Okoun and Chief Tekearede Oyabrade also supported the family’s position.

The community leaders called on Renaissance Energy to meet with the family and address the compensation dispute. They said a settlement would help reduce tension in the oil-producing area.

Land Rights and Infrastructure

The dispute highlights the importance of clear land ownership and fair compensation when companies develop infrastructure on community land.

Land remains a key part of Nigeria’s infrastructure and development system. Oil facilities, roads, housing projects and other developments often depend on access to land.

Clear ownership records can help reduce disputes between landowners, companies and government agencies. Fair compensation can also help communities participate in development without losing their property rights.

For the Brumuke Sana Family, however, the immediate issue remains its claim for compensation over the land occupied by the Brass Creek facility.

As of the time of filing, attempts to obtain a response from Renaissance African Energy Company Limited were unsuccessful.

The family and community leaders are calling for direct talks with the company. They want the long-running dispute resolved through a process that recognises the family’s claim to the land and addresses its compensation concerns.

The case also shows why effective land administration matters to infrastructure development. When ownership and compensation issues remain unresolved, disputes can continue for years and affect both communities and companies operating in the affected areas.

The post Bayelsa Family Demands Compensation Over Oil Facility Land appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Prince Yussuf Olanrewaju Olarinde of the Olarinde Royal Family in New Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town, Lagos, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over a long-running land dispute.

Olarinde alleged threats to his life, land grabbing and abuse of police powers in the community.

Prince Alleges Police Complicity

In his petition, Olarinde accused some officers of the Lagos State Police Command of failing to act fairly in the dispute.

He alleged that some officers supported people involved in attempts to take control of properties linked to the Olarinde Royal Family.

The prince said the dispute goes beyond a civil disagreement. He alleged violent invasions, attempted killings, demolitions, property destruction and intimidation.

Olarinde described the situation as an attempt to dispossess the royal family of its ancestral properties.

History of the Oguntedo Land Dispute

According to Olarinde, the Federal Military Government created and allocated New Oguntedo Village to the Olarinde Royal Family around 1978.

He said the allocation followed government acquisition and resettlement exercises at the time.

Olarinde also referred to a judgment of the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. ID/94/88. The court delivered the judgment on July 14, 1989.

READ ALSO : MBF Rejects Middle Belt Ranching Plan, Warns Over Land Allocation

He said the judgment affirmed the family’s ownership and possessory rights over the disputed land and properties.

The prince added that the family later obtained enforcement documents. These included Form O and warrants of possession dated January 3, 1997 and August 16, 2010.

Allegations of Land Grabbing

Despite the court judgment and subsequent enforcement processes, Olarinde alleged that some individuals and companies continued to claim the disputed properties.

He also alleged that armed thugs took part in efforts to remove members of the royal family from some properties.

According to the petition, some police officers provided protection for people involved in the disputed activities.

Olarinde further alleged that officers intimidated family members and prevented some lawful occupants from gaining access to their properties.

He accused the officers of failing to respond properly to reports of attacks.

Property Demolitions and Criminal Allegations

The petitioner also raised concerns about alleged property demolitions and unlawful occupation.

He claimed that some family properties were demolished or taken over during the dispute.

Olarinde also alleged that people took vehicles, building materials, cash, personal belongings and commercial assets belonging to members of the family.

He further claimed that some members of the royal family faced criminal allegations that he considered fabricated.

The prince described some of the resulting prosecutions as malicious.

Appeal for Police Intervention

Olarinde accused some police officers of ignoring complaints filed at Satellite Police Station and Area E Command.

He said family members had also faced difficulties when seeking police protection and intervention.

The prince warned that continued inaction could increase tension in Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town and nearby communities.

He therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegations and intervene before the dispute leads to further violence or loss of life.

Olarinde said the Olarinde family would continue to pursue legal remedies.

Implications for Lagos Real Estate

The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Lagos.

Land disputes can create uncertainty for property owners, developers and investors. They can also delay construction projects and affect confidence in the real estate market.

Clear land records, proper title documentation and effective enforcement of court decisions remain important to orderly urban development.

The allegations in the petition have not been independently established. They represent the claims of Olarinde and the Olarinde Royal Family and require investigation and responses from the police and other parties involved.

The wider significance of the case lies in the need for fair land administration and effective dispute resolution. These remain important to housing development, property investment and urban growth in Lagos.

The post Oguntedo Land Crisis: Lagos Prince Petitions IG Over Threats appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has condemned what it described as the arbitrary seizure of private property by some state governments under the guise of the Land Use Act, while commending Uba Sani for adopting what it called a humane and rights-based approach to land acquisition in Kaduna State.

The advocacy group said Governor Sani’s handling of compensation for residents affected by the 15-kilometre Kaduna Ring Road project demonstrates that governments can pursue infrastructure development without trampling on the constitutional rights and economic well-being of citizens.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the governor’s declaration that “public interest can never become a justification for injustice” and that development should not impose hardship without fairness and compassion.

According to the group, these principles should serve as the minimum standard for how governors exercise the extensive powers granted under the Land Use Act.

HURIWA stressed that although state governments have the legal authority to acquire land for overriding public interest, such powers must not be exercised arbitrarily or in ways that deprive citizens of their homes, businesses and ancestral lands without prompt, fair and adequate compensation.

The group argued that public interest and the constitutional right to own property are not mutually exclusive, insisting that responsible governance requires a careful balance between development objectives and the protection of citizens’ rights.

It noted that compulsory land acquisition has remained one of the most controversial aspects of governance in Nigeria, with reports from several states alleging that thousands of residents have lost their landed properties without adequate compensation or humane treatment.

According to HURIWA, such complaints have been reported in states including Lagos, Anambra and even Kaduna under the previous administration, leaving many affected families with significant financial and emotional losses.

The organisation, however, described Governor Sani’s decision to slow aspects of the Kaduna Ring Road project to allow transparent valuation of affected properties before compensation as a demonstration of fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

HURIWA also welcomed the governor’s assurance that no resident of Kaduna State would lose property to government projects without receiving fair and adequate compensation.

The rights group noted that the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households and the payment of more than N3 billion to residents affected by various infrastructure projects reflected a governance approach anchored on justice rather than expediency.

It urged governors across the country to institutionalise transparent compensation mechanisms, engage affected communities before acquiring land for public projects and ensure that all affected property owners receive prompt and equitable compensation in line with the Constitution and principles of natural justice.

According to HURIWA, governments are more likely to earn public confidence and legitimacy when infrastructure projects are implemented with fairness, empathy and respect for the rule of law, adding that sustainable development can only succeed when citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than victims of development.

The post HURIWA Calls for Fair Compensation in Land Acquisition, Applauds Kaduna Governor appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Abia State Government has directed all beneficiaries of land allocations at the Government Station Layout, Uzoakoli, to present their allocation papers and other relevant documents for verification and regularisation within 14 days.

The directive was issued through the Ministry of Lands, which warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in the revocation of the affected allocations.

According to a public notice released by the Office of the Commissioner for Lands, all persons allocated plots within the estate are required to report to the Ministry of Lands in Umuahia with their allocation documents and other supporting records for verification.

The notice, signed by the State Director of Lands, ESV Mong N. Uduma, on behalf of the Commissioner, said the exercise is aimed at verifying and regularising land allocations within the Government Station Layout.

The government stated that all affected allottees must comply with the directive within 14 days from the date of publication of the notice.

It warned that any allottee who fails to present the required documents within the specified period may forfeit the allocation.

The notice further stated that the government reserves the right to reallocate any affected plot without further notice.

The Ministry urged all concerned individuals to take advantage of the verification exercise to regularise their documents and avoid any complications regarding ownership of their allocated plots.

The post Abia Govt Orders Uzoakoli Estate Allottees to Verify Land Documents Within 14 Days appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has granted a foreclosure order in favour of Citygate Global Investment Limited, authorising the financial services firm to take possession of and sell a mortgaged property belonging to businessman, Hyginus Eze, over an alleged unpaid loan facility of ₦150 million.

Justice Mathias O. Dawodu delivered the judgment in Suit No. ID/9743GCM/2025, ruling that Citygate Global Investment Limited had successfully established its legal right to enforce a mortgage agreement executed by the defendant in December 2024.

The court held that the company was entitled to exercise its powers under a Deed of Legal Mortgage and Memorandum of Deposit after Eze allegedly defaulted on repayment obligations tied to the facility.

According to court documents, the businessman obtained a ₦150 million loan facility from Citygate in December 2024 for a tenure of 10 months at an interest rate of four per cent.

The loan was secured with a property located at No. 4 Chidi Duru Street, formerly Eboma Street, off Havana Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos State.

Citygate told the court that the defendant was expected to repay a total sum of ₦210 million between January and October 2025 but failed to meet the agreed repayment schedule, leaving a substantial outstanding balance.

In his defence, Eze argued that he received ₦135 million rather than ₦150 million and claimed to have repaid more than ₦90 million. He also maintained that he had sought reconciliation and restructuring of the loan facility.

However, Justice Dawodu ruled that the defendant failed to provide documentary evidence to support his claims of substantial repayment.

The court held that the burden of proof rested on the borrower and that unsupported assertions contained in affidavits could not override documentary records presented by the claimant.

The judge further noted that some correspondence tendered before the court amounted to admissions of indebtedness by the defendant.

Relying on established legal principles governing mortgage transactions, the court affirmed that a mortgagee has the right to foreclose and sell a mortgaged property where a borrower defaults on repayment obligations.

Consequently, the court granted Citygate Global Investment Limited possession of the property and authorised the company to proceed with its sale.

The court, however, declined requests for a perpetual injunction against the defendant and security enforcement orders, directing both parties to bear their respective legal costs.

Following the judgment, counsel to Citygate Global Investment Limited, Adeniyi Joshua, announced that the property had effectively become the company’s asset by virtue of the court’s foreclosure order.

The post Court Grants Citygate Foreclosure Order Over ₦150m Loan Default appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, Lagos, describing the action as a violation of the Constitution and a subsisting court order.

Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Falana said the demolitions, which took place at midnight last Saturday, ignored a restraining order issued by the Lagos State High Court. He noted that the order had been duly served on relevant government agencies before the operation began.

“The court granted an order stopping further demolitions until the matter is heard. By Friday, certified copies were served, yet by Saturday night, bulldozers invaded Oworonshoki,” Falana said.

“When I contacted an official, he told me, ‘We are going to do it, and heaven will not fall.’ That shows total contempt for the rule of law.”

Falana cited Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to own property anywhere in the country, as well as Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which upholds similar protections.

He argued that no governor or minister has the authority to order demolitions without a court ruling, stressing that only a competent court or legally constituted tribunal can authorise such actions.

“No executive officer can unilaterally declare a property illegal and demolish it. Due process must be followed,” he said.

The Lagos State Government, however, denied violating any court order. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the operation targeted illegal structures on drainage channels and road setbacks as part of the state’s urban renewal and flood prevention efforts.

Omotoso maintained that the exercise was aimed at restoring environmental integrity and that the government would not willfully disobey a valid court order.

The demolitions, which affected the Coker and Ojulari communities, occurred hours after the government had promised to compensate displaced residents.

Legal experts have since urged the state to balance its urban development initiatives with citizens’ constitutional rights to property and fair hearing.

The post Falana Condemns Lagos Demolitions, Accuses State of Defying Court Order appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties belonging to Igbo residents in Lagos State.

Kalu made the call on Friday during a reception for the President in Aba, where he commissioned landmark projects executed by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti. He said the demolition of homes and offices belonging to Igbos in Lagos “makes our heart bleed.”

“Mr. President, for some of them who have not gotten the right document, my plea to you is to appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to keep accommodating our brothers and allow them to rectify their documents instead of destruction,” Kalu said.

He urged that affected property owners be given the opportunity to regularize their papers rather than suffer demolition, especially during what he described as “hard times.”

The Deputy Speaker praised President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance, citing the appointment of Igbo leaders to key positions, including the Minister of Works and the Chief of Naval Staff. He also thanked the President for supporting his emergence as Deputy Speaker.

Kalu further commended Governor Otti for the projects undertaken in Abia State, urging him to continue delivering more development for the people.

The post Kalu Urges Tinubu to Halt Demolition of Igbo Properties in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Property owners across Nigeria are crying out over widespread building demolitions that have left many homeless and businesses crippled.

In Imo State, engineer Bernard Nzerem is still reeling from the July demolition of his N2.2 billion property in Naze despite presenting a Certificate of Occupancy and Power of Attorney. “This was not just a building. It was my entire life’s sweat,” he lamented.

Similar demolitions have rocked Lagos, where bulldozers recently moved into Oworonshoki at night, leaving residents stranded. “The demolition came to us as a surprise,” said Balogun Jamiu, head of the local community association. Displaced resident Afeez Ayeni accused the state government of betrayal, noting that rents have since doubled.

In Kano, over 40 houses were demolished in Rimin Zakara village, leaving several casualties. In Port Harcourt, staff of the Bayelsa Liaison Office still recall their ordeal after their buildings were pulled down in a dispute between state governments.

Experts say poor planning and selective enforcement are worsening the problem. “Where is the government when the foundation was being laid?” asked Andrew Osarhieme, a property expert. “The government is being more reactive than proactive.”

While the Lagos State Building Control Agency insists demolitions are to protect lives, critics argue that most homeowners are not given fair notice. A recent Abuja High Court ruling declared some FCT demolitions illegal and awarded ₦200 million in damages.

Property lawyer Mathias Egem warned that frequent demolitions violate citizens’ right to property and are often used as political weapons. “Many pour their life savings into these buildings,” he said, calling for harmonized property laws and stronger protection against land grabbing.

Source: Business Day

The post Nigerians Decry Wave of Demolitions Across Cities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.