Anambra Gives Landowners December 31 Deadline to Recertify C of Os

Anambra sets December 31 deadline for land title recertification

The Anambra State Government has given holders of old Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) until December 31, 2026, to recertify their documents and have their property records captured in the Anambra State Geographic Information System (ANAMGIS).

The Ministry of Lands said the old land administration system will be shut down indefinitely after the deadline. Landowners whose titles have not been recertified and integrated into ANAMGIS will no longer be able to access several land-related transactions through the ministry

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Landowners face December 31 deadline

The ministry disclosed the deadline in a public notice dated September 1, 2026, signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs Nkeiru Mokwe.

The notice urged holders of old C of Os who have not started the recertification process to submit their applications without further delay.

According to the ministry, affected property owners must have their existing title documents recertified and their records captured in the ANAMGIS database before they can continue to access specified land administration services under the new system.

The affected transactions include mortgages, Deeds of Assignment, Certified True Copies (CTCs), registration of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney and other transactions that require processing through the Ministry of Lands.

The government said the exercise forms part of efforts to update existing land records and move property administration onto the state's digital land management platform.

Old C of Os will not automatically become invalid

The December 31 deadline does not mean that every old Certificate of Occupancy will automatically become invalid on that date.

Rather, the immediate consequence of failing to recertify is the restriction of access to specified transactions that require processing through the Ministry of Lands.

This distinction is important for property owners and investors. An unrecertified title could still represent an existing property interest, but the owner may face difficulties when attempting to mortgage, transfer, obtain certified copies or complete other transactions through the state land administration system.

The ministry's notice specifically links continued access to these services to the recertification and capture of the title in ANAMGIS.

ANAMGIS is central to the new land administration system

The recertification exercise is tied to Anambra's transition to a digital land administration system.

ANAMGIS integrates land records and geographic information to improve the identification, documentation and management of properties across the state.

The Anambra State Ministry of Lands says its recertification process applies to both state-owned and private land. Applicants are required to submit completed forms alongside photocopies of relevant documents, while original documents must be presented for sighting.

The ministry's current process also provides for payment using an ANSSID/ASIN number and designated revenue code, with payment options including the ministry's service centre, Quickteller and designated bank channels.

Recertification supports more reliable property records

The move has wider implications for Anambra's property market because reliable land records are fundamental to property transactions and investment.

Incomplete or outdated land records can make it more difficult for buyers, lenders and investors to establish the status of a property.

A digital and updated land registry can improve the ability of authorities to verify ownership records, process transactions and maintain more accurate information about land parcels.

The state previously said the ANAMGIS initiative was designed to modernise land administration, improve transparency, strengthen land management and support more efficient urban planning.

Better documentation could support property investment

Formal land documentation also plays an important role in property finance.

A properly documented title can make it easier for property owners to participate in formal transactions, including using real estate as collateral where lenders accept the title and other requirements are satisfied.

At a broader level, improved land documentation can help bring properties that operate outside formal systems into the formal property market.

This issue extends beyond Anambra. A PwC report cited by Nairametrics estimates that Nigeria has between $300 billion and $900 billion in "dead capital", referring to assets that cannot easily generate economic value because owners face limitations in using them as collateral or participating fully in formal markets.

The Federal Government has also pursued land documentation and titling reforms aimed at increasing the proportion of formally documented land across the country.

Deadline creates urgency for property owners

For landowners with old C of Os, the December 31 deadline creates a need to review their property documentation well before the shutdown of the old system.

The state's Ministry of Lands advises titleholders to begin the process rather than wait until the deadline approaches.

Its official recertification guidance states that applicants should complete the relevant form, provide copies of supporting documents and present original documents for verification. The ministry also states that one form should be completed for each Certificate of Occupancy or title document.

The requirement is particularly relevant to property owners who may intend to sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise transact on their properties in the future.

Anambra's land reforms could influence the wider property market

The transition to a digital land administration system comes as Anambra seeks to strengthen the management of its growing property market.

For investors, clear documentation reduces uncertainty around property transactions and can improve confidence in the formal market.

For government, a more comprehensive land database can support planning, valuation, revenue administration and infrastructure development.

The key challenge will be ensuring that the transition remains accessible to property owners and that applications are processed efficiently before the December deadline.

What landowners should know

Landowners holding old C of Os in Anambra should note that the December 31, 2026 deadline relates to recertification and integration into ANAMGIS.

After the old system is shut down, holders of unrecertified titles will face restrictions on transactions such as mortgages, Deeds of Assignment, Certified True Copies and registration of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney through the Ministry of Lands.

The state has advised affected titleholders to complete the process ahead of the deadline to avoid disruption.

The development represents another step towards the digitisation and formalisation of land administration in Nigeria. For Anambra's property market, successful implementation could strengthen title verification, improve transaction efficiency and provide a more reliable foundation for property investment and urban planning.

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