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How To Legally Notarize A Document In Nigeria: A Step-By-Step Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, certain legal documents require a formal process to make them valid. One of these processes is notarization. But what exactly does it mean to notarize a document, and how do you go about it in Nigeria? This blog post will break down the steps to legally notarize a document in Nigeria, explaining the process in simple and easy-to-understand terms.

Notarization is an essential procedure used in legal and official documents. The act of notarizing ensures that the document is legitimate, that the parties involved are who they say they are, and that they are signing the document voluntarily and knowingly. If you’ve ever been asked to provide a notarized document, you may be wondering: how do I get my document notarized, and why is this important?

What is Notarization?

Before we get into the specifics of how to notarize a document, let’s first understand what notarization means. Notarization is the process of having a document signed by a notary public, a person authorized by the government to authenticate the signatures on documents. The notary public plays a vital role in confirming that the person signing the document is indeed who they claim to be, that they are not under duress, and that they understand the content of the document.

In Nigeria, a notary public is an individual with the authority to witness signatures, administer oaths, and authenticate documents. Notary publics are typically lawyers with a minimum of ten years of legal practice. They are officially appointed by the government to act in this capacity.

Now that we know what notarization is, let’s explore the steps involved in getting a document notarized in Nigeria.

Why is Notarization Important?

Notarization is important because it helps to prevent fraud. When a document is notarized, it means that a credible third party (the notary public) has confirmed the identity of the signatories and that they understand the document’s contents. This adds an extra layer of legal protection.

Notarized documents are often required for a variety of purposes, including:

• Real estate transactions (like buying or selling property)

• Legal agreements (like contracts, wills, and power of attorney)

• Financial documents (like loan applications)

• Immigration paperwork

Any official document that needs to be legally recognized by both parties involved and by third parties

In short, notarization ensures the authenticity of a document and makes it legally binding.

Who Can Be a Notary Public in Nigeria?

Not everyone can be a notary public. In Nigeria, a notary public is a legal professional (usually a lawyer) who has been appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. In order to qualify as a notary public, the lawyer must have:

• At least ten years of experience as a legal practitioner.

• A good reputation and proven competence in the legal profession.

• A clean record, free from any legal disciplinary actions.

Once a lawyer meets these requirements, they can apply for an appointment as a notary public. Upon successful approval, the lawyer can begin notarizing documents.

How to Legally Notarize a Document in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

Notarizing a document in Nigeria may seem like a daunting task, but when broken down into steps, it becomes much more manageable. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to legally notarize a document in Nigeria.

Step 1: Find a Notary Public

The first step is to find a notary public. As mentioned earlier, a notary public is usually a lawyer who has been appointed by the government. You can find a notary public in various places:

• Law Firms: Most law firms in Nigeria have notary publics who can assist you with notarizing your document.

• Legal Services Companies: Some companies specialize in offering notary services.

• Banks: Some Nigerian banks may offer notarization services for documents related to banking and financial matters.

• Court: In some cases, courts have notary publics who can notarize documents related to legal matters.

It’s important to ensure that the notary public you choose is authorized to notarize documents in Nigeria.

Step 2: Prepare the Document to Be Notarized

Before you can take your document to a notary public, make sure it is ready. A document can be notarized only if it is complete and fully prepared. This means that all sections of the document should be filled in, and any necessary information or signatures should be provided. If you have an incomplete or incorrect document, the notary public will not be able to notarize it.

Make sure you bring the original document. The notary public will need to verify the authenticity of the document, and they will also need to see that the document has not been altered or tampered with.

Step 3: Confirm the Identity of the Signatories

The next step in notarizing a document is to confirm the identity of the individuals who will sign it. The notary public must ensure that the person signing the document is the person they claim to be. This is to avoid any potential cases of fraud.

To do this, the notary public will ask the signatories to provide a valid form of identification. Accepted forms of identification include:

• National identity card

• International passport

• Driver’s license

• Voter’s card

The notary public will carefully inspect the ID to ensure it matches the person in front of them. They may also ask a few questions to confirm the identity of the signatory.

Step 4: Administer the Oath (If Applicable)

If the document requires an oath or affirmation, the notary public will administer it to the signatories. An oath is a formal declaration of truth, and it is commonly used in legal matters. For example, in affidavits, the signatory may be required to swear that the information in the document is true.

The notary public will ask the person to swear an oath on a holy book (such as the Bible or Quran) or make an affirmation if they do not wish to take an oath.

Step 5: Sign the Document in the Presence of the Notary Public

Once the signatories’ identities have been confirmed and any oaths or affirmations have been made, the notary public will ask the signatories to sign the document in their presence. The signatories must sign the document themselves, and the notary public must witness this.

It’s essential that you do not sign the document beforehand. The notary public needs to witness the signing process to authenticate the document.

Step 6: Notary Public Signs and Stamps the Document

After the signatories have signed the document, the notary public will also sign the document, verifying that they have witnessed the signatures. They will then apply their official stamp, which typically includes their name, signature, and the date of the notarization. The stamp serves as proof that the document has been properly notarized.

Step 7: Pay the Notarization Fee

Once the document has been notarized, you will be required to pay a fee for the service. The fee for notarization can vary depending on the notary public and the type of document being notarized. Some notaries charge a fixed fee, while others may charge based on the complexity of the document or the time involved.

Make sure to ask about the cost before you begin the process so there are no surprises later on.

Step 8: Obtain a Copy of the Notarized Document

After the notarization process is complete, you can request a copy of the notarized document for your records. The notary public may give you a photocopy or a certified copy of the notarized document. It is essential to keep a copy of the notarized document in case you need to refer to it in the future.

Common Documents That Require Notarization in Nigeria

While any document can be notarized if necessary, there are certain types of documents that commonly require notarization in Nigeria. Some examples include:

• Wills: A will is a legal document that specifies how a person’s property should be distributed after their death. To ensure that the will is legally binding and reflects the true intentions of the deceased, it must be notarized.

• Power of Attorney: This is a document that allows someone to act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters. It’s often used in business and family matters.

• Affidavits: An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. Notarizing an affidavit ensures that the individual making the statement is truthful and the information provided is legally binding.

• Property Transactions: When buying or selling property, notarized documents are often required to ensure that both parties are legally bound by the terms of the agreement.

• Contracts: Some contracts, particularly those involving large sums of money or important business dealings, may require notarization.

Conclusion

Notarizing a document in Nigeria is a simple yet essential process to ensure that the document is legally valid and recognized. Whether you are buying a house, creating a will, or signing a contract, notarization plays an important role in confirming the authenticity of the document and protecting everyone involved.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—finding a notary public, preparing your document, verifying your identity, and paying the necessary fees—you can ensure that your document is legally notarized in Nigeria. Remember that notary publics are there to help protect you from fraud and ensure that your document stands up in a court of law.

So, next time you need a document notarized, don’t be intimidated! The process is straightforward and can provide you with an added level of security and peace of mind.