What You Need to Know About Excision, Gazette, and C of O in Nigeria
Introduction
Land ownership in Nigeria is governed by a complex legal structure that often confuses even experienced investors. Terms like Excision, Gazette, and C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) can determine whether your land is truly secure — or at risk of government acquisition or dispute.
If you’re planning to buy land in 2025, understanding the differences between these land titles is essential. This guide explains each term, how they relate to land safety, and what title offers the best security for your real estate investment.
1. What is Excision?
Definition:
Excision is the legal process by which a government releases a portion of land previously acquired for public use back to the indigenous owners (usually communities or families).
Why it matters:
Before excision, such land is under government acquisition. Buying unexcised land is risky — it could be reclaimed or demolished without compensation.
How to verify:
Confirm the excision has been approved and published in the state’s official record.
Check the file number, layout plan, and whether it has been Gazetted.
2. What is a Gazette?
Definition:
A Gazette is an official government publication that records excised lands and their boundaries. It gives public and legal confirmation that the land is no longer under acquisition.
Why it matters:
Gazetted land has legal recognition and is safe to buy, provided you confirm it falls within the published coordinates.
How to verify:
Ask for the Gazette number or file number.
Plot the survey coordinates to ensure they fall within the published excised area.
3. What is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?
Definition:
A Certificate of Occupancy is an official document issued by a state government, confirming that the holder has the legal right to occupy and use a specific piece of land for a term (usually 99 years).
Why it matters:
The C of O is one of the highest forms of land title in Nigeria. It can be used for:
Property transfer
Securing bank loans
Legal defense against encroachment
How to verify:
Visit the state land registry to check the title number, owner’s name, and document status.
Ensure it matches the land’s survey coordinates.
Title Comparison Table
| Feature | Excision | Gazette | Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Status | Released from acquisition | Publicly recognized excised land | Government-approved ownership |
| Issued By | State Government | State Government | State Government |
| Legal Security | Medium (if not gazetted) | High | Very High |
| Common Use | Indigenous land | Community land resale | Private buyers and developers |
| Verifiable At | Lands Bureau | Government Gazette | State Land Registry |
Which Title Should You Prioritize as a Buyer?
C of O is the most secure and bank-recognized title.
Gazette is also safe — especially for buying from families or community landowners.
Excision alone is not enough unless it’s already published and verifiable.
Important Tip: Excision in process is not a valid title. It carries high risk unless the Gazette has been published.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Sellers claiming “Excision in Process” as equivalent to Gazette.
Incomplete surveys or fake file numbers.
C of O that hasn’t been verified at the registry.
Pressure to pay quickly without land verification.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Excision, Gazette, and Certificate of Occupancy gives you an edge when navigating Nigeria’s complex land market. Never rely solely on what the seller tells you. Engage a real estate lawyer, verify all documents, and confirm the land’s status directly with government authorities.
Buying land in Nigeria? Let our legal and verification team help you confirm Excision, Gazette, or C of O status before you commit. Contact us for professional due diligence, title verification, and safe transactions.
