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The short answer
In Enugu State, Certificates of Occupancy are processed through the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), which said in October 2025 that processing takes 48 to 72 hours after land services were digitised. The state cut C of O and other land-document fees by an average of 50% from 15 October 2025, but no naira fee schedule was published with the announcement, so get a written assessment from ENGIS before you pay.
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the state government's evidence that you hold a statutory right of occupancy over a piece of land. Under the Land Use Act, land in a state is held by the Governor in trust, and what you hold is a right to occupy it. In Enugu State the process now runs through ENGIS, the state's digital land agency. This guide explains the route, what changed in 2025, and how to avoid paying the wrong person.
Who issues a C of O in Enugu State
According to a NAN report of 18 October 2025, the Managing Director and CEO of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Chiwetalu Nwatu, announced that Governor Peter Mbah had approved a reduction in fees for processing Certificates of Occupancy and other land-related documents. The same statement said land processing, search and related services had been fully digitised and that residents should visit the ENGIS office to process their documents.
- ENGIS
- Enugu State Geographic Information System, the agency named for C of O processing and land searches
- C of O
- Certificate of Occupancy, evidence of a statutory right of occupancy
- Governor's consent
- Approval needed under the Land Use Act before a statutory right of occupancy is assigned, mortgaged or sublet
The fee: what is and is not known
The October 2025 announcement described a 50% average reduction in C of O and land-document processing fees, with a 45-day window running from 15 October 2025. It did not give naira amounts. Because the charge on any one file depends on the land size, location, use and the documents involved, the figure you pay is the one on the assessment ENGIS issues for your file.
Treat any agent quoting a flat "C of O price" without seeing your survey plan with caution. A fixed quote cannot reflect the government assessment for your plot.
Steps to apply
The exact forms are set by ENGIS, so confirm the current list at its office. The general sequence for a fresh application looks like this:
- Get a registered survey plan. A registered surveyor measures the plot and produces a survey plan with coordinates. This lets ENGIS place the land on the state map.
- Run a search. Ask ENGIS to confirm the land is not government-acquired, already titled to someone else, or under a dispute or encumbrance it records.
- Assemble your documents. Typically the survey plan, evidence of how you acquired the land (deed, purchase receipt, family or community conveyance), your identification and passport photographs. Confirm the list with ENGIS.
- Submit and receive the assessment. ENGIS assesses the charges for your file.
- Pay through official channels only and keep every receipt and reference.
- Collect the C of O when processing is complete. ENGIS said in October 2025 this takes 48 to 72 hours once the file is complete; allow longer if documents are missing.
Buying land that already has a C of O
If the seller already holds a C of O, you do not apply for a new one. Under section 22 of the Land Use Act, the holder of a statutory right of occupancy may not assign, mortgage or sublet it without the Governor's consent first obtained, and section 26 makes transactions contrary to the Act null and void. In practice you need a deed of assignment and Governor's consent registered in your name. A lawyer should handle this; it is not a step to leave to an agent.
Worked example: budgeting for the whole process
The government charge is only one part of the cost. The figures below are invented examples to show how to build a budget; replace each with real quotes.
| Item | Example cost | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Registered survey plan | ₦250,000 | Surveyor quote |
| Land search | ₦20,000 | ENGIS |
| C of O processing (after assessment) | ₦400,000 | ENGIS assessment |
| Lawyer's fee for documents and checks | ₦300,000 | Lawyer quote |
| Total (example) | ₦970,000 |
Check the arithmetic on your own figures: 250,000 + 20,000 + 400,000 + 300,000 = 970,000. If you are saving towards this, our guide on saving for land shows how to plan the timing.
What to check first
- That the person selling has the right to sell, and that family land has the consent of the family heads who can bind the family.
- That the survey plan coordinates match the plot on the ground and on the ENGIS search.
- That every payment to government goes to an official account with a receipt in your name.
- If you live abroad, read buying land in Enugu from abroad for how to run these checks remotely.
This is general information, not legal advice. Fees, forms and timelines are set by ENGIS and can change.
Where Pryme fits
Land payments create a long paper trail. With Pryme, any customer can generate a verifiable statement or receipt through VerifyDoc.ai, which a lawyer or family member can check is genuine and unaltered. A Fixed Savings Box can hold the money you set aside for title fees.
Questions people ask
How much is C of O in Enugu State now?
Enugu cut C of O and land-document fees by an average of 50% from 15 October 2025, but no naira schedule was published. Your fee comes from the ENGIS assessment for your plot.
How long does it take to get a C of O in Enugu?
ENGIS said in October 2025 that processing takes 48 to 72 hours after digitisation, once your file is complete. Missing documents or disputes take longer.
Where do I apply for C of O in Enugu?
At the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) office, which handles C of O processing and land searches.
Do I need a new C of O if the land already has one?
No. You need a deed of assignment and Governor's consent under section 22 of the Land Use Act, registered in your name. Use a lawyer.
Sources
- NAN News: Enugu Govt slashes C of O, other land-related fees by 50% (18 Oct 2025) · accessed Oct 2026
- Land Use Act, Cap L5 LFN 2004 (PLAC Laws of Nigeria) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.