While presenting the documents to some of the beneficiaries, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola said migration from the paper title to electronic C of 0 was in response to the problem of counterfeiting.
According to him, the illegal printing of the “Yellow Paper”by some unscrupulous people has affected the reliability of the paper C of 0 as a legal title to properties in the state.
He said electronic title would eliminate fraud in the system and ensure efficient land administration in the state.
“This new electronic document is more secure as it is designed to eliminate cloning and issuance of documents that are not genuine. Those issued with this e-C of O can be sure they have bought land rather than law suits. The new document guarantees safety of properties” he said.
Fashola explained that he would speed up the process of issuance of the new document to clear backlog of applications adding that those with authentic paper C of Os have nothing to worry about since the old document still provided temporary legal cover on their properties.
The governor however stated that holders of the “Yellow paper” would soon be required to turn in their old document for the new e-C of 0.
Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary ,Lands Bureau, Mr HaKeem Okunola said e-C of O is faster and less cumbersome to issue.
“We are focussing on properties in government’s plans because we are just starting,very soon we will extend it to private purchasers of land as well “he said.
One of the beneficiaries,Mrs Abimbola Akinyemi commended the government for the initiative ,saying it would put the minds of property owners at rest.
” I feel so great getting this document. And I want to thank the government for the idea. With this e-C of 0,property owners can now feel safe with their properties as has eliminated the many problems with the old paper document. I applied online sometime ago,and within a short time,here I am with the document. This is unbelievable and it is really commendable”, she said.
