NOTARY PUBLIC IN NIGERIA
The Notaries Public Act of 1936 (referred to as “the Act”) specifies how a Notary Public is appointed and what their duties are in Nigeria. Nigeria, like many other nations, requires that original documents be notarized or verified by a Notary Public before they can be used in Nigeria or outside the country if they are from another country.
Nigeria’s Chief Justice is responsible for appointing Notaries Public. When a Notary Public is appointed, he is considered to be an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is given the authority to testify to the authenticity of a document. This document is then recognised on a global scale for whatever reason it is intended.
WHAT DOES NOTARY PUBLIC DOES
Administers oaths for the giving of evidence.
Do Certification of documents.
Bills of Exchange.
Obtaining an Authentication from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Notary Public prepare Notarial Certificates of Law & Good Standing.
Engages in taking Affidavits, Declarations & Depositions.
Helps with verification of Company documents.
Verifies identity and/or signature.
Witness execution of local and international documents such as Sale and Purchase Agreements, Transfers of Land, Assignments of Intellectual Property, Powers of Attorney, Deeds, Security Documentation, Mortgages, Company Resolutions, Minutes and Reports.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION OF NOTARY PUBLIC
Below are the prerequisites to become a notary public. Address your three copies of a formal application letter on letterhead paper to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
Curriculum vitae (CV) should be duly signed. 23 copies for Lagos state and 15 copies for other states.
Photocopies of practicing fees receipt for 7 years preceding the date of application and each payment must have been made as at when due on or before 31st of March of each year. 3 photocopies of Call to Bar Certificate.
3 photocopies of Applicant’s Incorporation Certificate with the Corporate Affairs Commission For inquiries relating to operation of Supreme Court of Nigeria and other correspondences both local and international.
NB: This article is not a legal advice, and under no circumstance should you take it as such. All information provided are for general purpose only. For information, please contact chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
WRITTEN BY CHAMAN LAW FIRM TEAM
EMAIL: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
TEL: 08065553671, 08024230080