Landowners in Porto-Novo and Parakou now have a chance to formalize their property rights free of charge through the national land registry, an initiative led by the National Land and Property Agency (ANDF) with financial support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The campaign, currently underway in the capital and Parakou, aims to issue the Cadastre Registration Certificate (CEC), a legal document confirming land ownership.
With the CEC, any transaction on a registered plot cannot occur without the consent of the official owner, providing strong protection against disputes.
The registration process follows four main steps. First, awareness campaigns inform local communities about the initiative. Next, topographic agents and surveyors visit properties to map boundaries and collect relevant data.
This information is then publicly displayed, allowing residents to verify details or submit complaints. The final stage results in the issuance of the certificates, which are provided free of charge to landowners.
In Porto-Novo, where the absence of a unified land database previously fueled conflicts over ownership, the registry is expected to bring significant clarity and legal certainty.
Authorities underline that the initiative stems from a long-term partnership between Benin and the Netherlands, which is covering all operational costs.
To register a plot, owners must present a copy of their Personal Identity Certificate (CIP) or that of an authorised representative, along with photocopies of any documents relating to the land.
The CIP is mandatory to validate the registration.
Registered landowners also gain the ability to check their plot information online in real time.
This transparency enables them to legally sell, rent, or transfer property without risk of dispute.
The campaign marks a crucial milestone in land security for Porto-Novo and Parakou, reflecting the Beninese government’s commitment, in collaboration with international partners, to reduce long-standing conflicts over land and provide citizens with lasting peace of mind regarding property ownership.
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