Oyo State Government Sensitizes Private Investors on Legal Land Titles

In a proactive move to enhance transparency in property ownership and promote investor confidence, the Oyo State Government has educated 24 private investors on the critical importance of obtaining legal land titles.

The engagement, organized through the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, is part of a broader state initiative aimed at streamlining land documentation processes and reducing property-related disputes. Officials emphasized that acquiring legal titles is essential not only for securing ownership rights but also for enabling landowners to access financial services such as loans and grants.

Speaking during the session, representatives from the ministry highlighted ongoing efforts by the government, including the Home Owners Charter and C of O Redefined programs, which are designed to help property owners regularize the legal status of their holdings. These programs have simplified and digitalized property registration, making it more accessible to residents and investors alike.

The state also recently launched the Online Property Search Platform, a digital portal containing over 438,000 property records. This innovation allows individuals and investors to verify land titles, check ownership history, and understand land use zoning—all with the goal of improving due diligence in property transactions.

Additionally, the passage of the Land Control and Administration Bill, 2023 reinforces the government’s commitment to land reform. The bill mandates registration for all real estate practitioners in the state and imposes penalties—including fines of up to ₦1 million or imprisonment—on unregistered estate developers and land agents involved in illegal transactions.

According to state officials, these reforms are key to fostering a safe and attractive investment climate in Oyo State.

“The era of informal land acquisition is coming to an end. We are committed to ensuring that all investors and residents have access to transparent, efficient, and secure land administration,” one official stated.

The sensitization effort is expected to continue with further outreach to more stakeholders in the real estate and investment sectors, as Oyo State positions itself as a hub for sustainable development and responsible urban planning.