Introduction:
Legalizing certificates and documents is a crucial step for individuals intending to use them for official or private purposes abroad. Whether it’s birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degree certificates, or other government-issued documents, the attestation process ensures their authenticity and validity. In Nigeria, the attestation process involves several steps, and this guide, provided by Chaman Law Firm, aims to elucidate the procedure for the attestation of certificates in the country.
Procedure for Attestation of Certificates in Nigeria:
Notarization by a Qualified Notary Public: Before initiating the attestation process, a qualified Notary Public must notarize the document. Notarization is typically carried out by experienced lawyers. It is important to note that the cost of notarization is negotiable and depends on individual bargaining power.
Authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Following notarization, the document is presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authentication. This step involves a required payment, which should be deposited into the designated bank account of the Ministry. The applicant needs to submit proof of payment, such as a bank teller or online payment slip, to the Legal Services Department within the Ministry.
Attestation at the Federal Ministry of Education (for Academic Certificates): If the document is an academic certificate or transcript, an additional step is required. The document must be attested at the Federal Ministry of Education. The applicant can either personally apply or engage a lawful attorney for this process.
Legalization at the Relevant Embassy: After the authentication process, the document may need to be taken to the relevant embassy for further legalization. This step is essential when the document is intended for use in a foreign country. The applicant may need to return to the embassy within a specified timeframe to collect the authenticated documents.