Navigating the New Norm: Understanding the Provisions and Impacts of the Lagos State Land Registration Law of 2015

Abstract

The introduction of the Lagos State Land Registration Law (LRL) in 2015 marked a significant shift in the regulation of real property transactions in Lagos State. Prior to this, various laws such as the Registration of Titles Law, the Land Instrument Registration Law, the Electronic Management Systems Law of 2007, and the Registration of Titles (Appeal) Rules governed the registration process. However, these laws were repealed by the comprehensive LRL, which came into effect on 21 January 2015. The primary aim of the LRL was to establish a unified legal framework for the entire State, eliminating the previous dual system that caused confusion due to the parallel registration processes for titles and instruments. This paper examines the provisions and advancements introduced by the LRL regarding land registration in Lagos State, maintaining that the overarching goal of the LRL is to merge the previously distinct and concurrent registration systems in Lagos, thus promoting clarity and reducing the uncertainties that plagued the pre-2015 era in the State. Though the paper acknowledges that due to the partial implementation of the law, many of its provisions remain untested in both judicial proceedings and practical applications to evaluate their actual efficacy, it maintains that its conclusion remains justified by the text of the law itself and other primary sources. The paper, therefore, advocates for a pressing revision of the LRL 2015 to enhance its practicality and self-executing nature. This is to ensure prompt enforcement to facilitate the immediate enhancement of land systems and registration in Lagos State to align with international standards and best practices in conveyancing procedures.

Keywords: Land Registration; Real Property; Lagos State; Conveyancing; Power of Attorney; Sublease; Mortgage; Sale of Land; Registrar; Land Registry; Register