Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
What is a Deed of Donation?
A Deed of Donation is a legal document that formally transfers ownership of property from one person (the donor) to another (the donee) without payment. Under Nigerian law, it creates a binding record of a gift, making the transfer official and protecting both parties' interests.
The deed must clearly describe the donated property, state that it's given freely, and meet specific requirements like proper signing and witnessing. It's commonly used in Nigeria for transferring land, buildings, or valuable items to family members, charitable organizations, or religious institutions. Once registered with appropriate authorities, it serves as permanent proof of the donation and helps prevent future ownership disputes.
When should you use a Deed of Donation?
Use a Deed of Donation when giving away valuable property in Nigeria, especially land, buildings, or significant assets. This formal document becomes essential for gifts to family members during estate planning, donations to religious institutions, or contributions to charitable organizations.
The deed proves particularly important during tax assessments, property registration, and future ownership claims. It offers protection for both donor and recipient by clearly documenting the transfer's voluntary nature and specific terms. In Nigerian property transactions, having this deed properly prepared and registered helps prevent family disputes, ensures smooth property transfers, and creates a clear record for government authorities.
What are the different types of Deed of Donation?
- Single Property Deeds: Used for donating one specific item or piece of land, with detailed property descriptions and boundaries
- Multiple Asset Deeds: Cover several properties or items in one document, common for estate distributions
- Charitable Donation Deeds: Specifically formatted for gifts to registered Nigerian charities or religious organizations
- Conditional Deeds: Include specific terms or conditions the donee must meet to maintain ownership
- Family Transfer Deeds: Tailored for intergenerational transfers within families, often with special provisions for customary law considerations
Who should typically use a Deed of Donation?
- Donors: Individuals, families, or organizations transferring property ownership, including landowners, business entities, and philanthropists
- Donees: Recipients of donated property, such as family members, religious institutions, or charitable organizations
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers who draft and review the deed, ensuring compliance with Nigerian property laws
- Witnesses: Independent parties who verify the voluntary nature of the donation and sign the deed
- Government Officials: Land registry staff and tax authorities who process and record the property transfer
How do you write a Deed of Donation?
- Property Details: Gather complete descriptions, boundaries, and title documents of the property being donated
- Personal Information: Collect full names, addresses, and identification of both donor and donee
- Ownership Proof: Obtain current title documents, tax clearance certificates, and any existing encumbrances
- Transfer Terms: Define any conditions, responsibilities, or restrictions attached to the donation
- Witness Details: Arrange for qualified witnesses and their identification documents
- Registration Plans: Prepare necessary fees and documents for property registry filing
What should be included in a Deed of Donation?
- Parties' Details: Full names, addresses, and capacities of donor and donee
- Property Description: Clear identification of donated property with precise boundaries or specifications
- Transfer Declaration: Express statement of voluntary transfer without consideration
- Donor's Title: Confirmation of ownership rights and authority to donate
- Delivery Clause: Statement confirming physical or constructive transfer of property
- Attestation: Witness signatures, names, and addresses
- Execution Date: Clear statement of when the deed takes effect
- Governing Law: Reference to Nigerian law and jurisdiction
What's the difference between a Deed of Donation and a Deed of Sale?
A Deed of Donation differs significantly from a Deed of Sale in several important ways under Nigerian law. While both transfer property ownership, their fundamental purposes and requirements are distinct.
- Consideration: A Deed of Donation transfers property without payment, while a Deed of Sale requires monetary consideration
- Tax Implications: Donations often qualify for different tax treatments than sales, affecting both parties' financial obligations
- Legal Requirements: Sale deeds need proof of payment and value assessment, while donation deeds focus on proving voluntary transfer
- Revocation Rights: Donations may be revoked under specific circumstances in Nigerian law, unlike sales which are typically final
- Documentation: Sale deeds require additional financial records and receipts, while donation deeds emphasize witness statements and voluntary intent
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security:
You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it