Buying land in Abuja is exciting, but registering that land? That’s where many people start sweating. Between AMAC, AGIS, surveys, consent letters, and endless photocopies, the process can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
But here’s the truth: it is easy to register land in Abuja when you actually understand the steps. If you live in places like Wuse, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Maitama, Lugbe, Karu, Lokogoma, Guzape, Kuje, and across the FCT, this guide will walk you through every stage.
Let’s break it down.
Understanding How Land Works in Abuja
Abuja is different from other states. In most Nigerian states, you register land under the state government. But Abuja is directly under the Federal Government, so the system is more centralised and strict.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) controls all land. Registration and documentation are handled under AGIS (Abuja Geographic Information Systems).
What AGIS Does
Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) is responsible for:
- Verifying land ownership
- Checking if a plot is authentic
- Registering land documents
- Issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)
- Confirming payments like ground rent
If your land is not properly registered with AGIS, Abuja legally does not recognise you as the owner. That’s why registration is very important.
Where You Register Land in Abuja
Land registration in Abuja is done at AGIS – Abuja Geographic Information Systems located at 4 Peace Drive, Garki, Central Business District, Abuja.
AGIS handles land searches, title registration, surveys, C of O processing, and ownership transfers.
Types of Land Documents in Abuja
Abuja recognizes four major documents:
1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
It is the strongest title in Abuja and is issued once per plot and cost around ₦3,500,000 (flat rate).
2. Right of Occupancy (R of O)
It is usually issued for fresh government allocations before they are converted to a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
3. Deed of Assignment
It is used when buying land that already has a C of O or is developed.
4. Power of Attorney (PoA)
It is used mostly for undeveloped plots without structures.
How to Register Land in Abuja
Step 1: Start With a Land Search at AGIS
Before you make a purchase from a seller, you should first do a search at AGIS.
The search will tell you:
- Whether the land actually exists
- If the one selling it has the right to sell
- If there are problems (encumbrances) with the land
- If the government has an interest in it
- If it is available for transfer
Cost of search: between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000, depending on what you are checking.
PROCESS A: Fresh Government Land Allocation
Step 1: Obtain and Complete the AGIS Application Form
- Obtain the form from either the AGIS office or the website.
Step 2: Payment of Application Fees
- Residential: ₦50,000
- Commercial: ₦100,000
Step 3: Document Submission
For Fresh Allocations:
- Application form
- Tax clearance
- ID
- Passport photographs
- Payment receipts
- CAC docs (if company)
For Transfer of Ownership
- Deed of Assignment / PoA
- Seller’s C of O
- Survey plan
- Payment evidence
- Stamp duty receipt
- Governor’s consent
- Valid ID
Step 4: Plot Allocation
After the selection of plots available by the FCDA inspection of your allotted ROW, you will receive your Right of Occupancy.
Step 5: Payment of Government Premium
Price differs depending on the district of allotment:
- Outskirts: ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000
- Developing District: ₦5M – ₦20M
- Prime Districts (Asokoro, Maitama, CBD): ₦30M – ₦50M+
Step 6: Do Your Survey Plan
The Surveyor-General must license the surveyor.
Cost: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000
Step 7: Application for C of O
Fee: ₦3,500,000 flat rate. Plus Stamp Duty at 7.5% of land value.
Step 8: Collect Your Certificate
It should take 3 – 6 months to process.
PROCESS B: Buying Land From a Private Seller
Step 1: Conduct AGIS Land Search
Don’t skip this.
Cost:
- Residential: ₦10,000
- Commercial: ₦20,000
Stage 2: Draft the Deed (or PoA)
Done by a lawyer
Legal fees: ₦1.5M – ₦2.5M
Stage 3: Governor’s Consent
Compulsory for all transfers.
Fee: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
Stage 4: Stamp Duty
7.5% of property value. For example:
- For ₦10M land → ₦750,000
Stage 5: Register Deed at AGIS
Registration fee: ₦100,000 (average).
Stage 6: Get Your Registered Deed
Your name is officially in AGIS.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (₦) |
| Application Fee (Residential) | ₦50,000 |
| Application Fee (Commercial) | ₦100,000 |
| C of O Fee | ₦3,500,000 |
| Survey Plan | ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Land Search | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Stamp Duty | 1.5% of property value |
| Governor’s Consent | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Legal Fees | Depends on the size |
| Registration Fee | ₦100,000 |
| Government Premium | ₦500,000 – ₦50,000,000+ |
| Annual Ground Rent | Location-dependent |
Final Thoughts
Buying land is exciting, but in Abuja it is serious business. Legal protection (the registration process) safeguards you legally, safeguards you from double sales, and will unquestionably assure AGIS registers you as the legitimate owner.
Whether you are a first buyer, an investor, or a person who wants to avoid the “village meeting” drama in the future, follow the steps above carefully. If you have the right documents and the right people, the registration process in Abuja is easy, even if it looks complicated.
