Notarisation is an important legal process used to authenticate documents, verify signatures and establish the authenticity of transactions. Individuals and businesses may require notarised documents for immigration applications, international transactions, property dealings, commercial agreements and other official purposes.
In Nigeria, notarial services are performed by duly appointed Notaries Public and regulated by the Notaries Public Act 2023 and the Notary Public Regulations 2026. These laws provide the framework for traditional and electronic notarisation.
This article explains the meaning of notarisation, the functions of a Notary Public, the documents that may be notarised and the procedure for obtaining notarial services in Nigeria in 2026.
1. What Is Notarisation?
Notarisation is a formal legal process through which a Notary Public verifies or witnesses the execution of documents and performs other authorised notarial acts.
Depending on the document and the purpose of the transaction, a notary may verify the identity of a signatory, witness signatures, administer oaths or certify copies of documents.
Notarisation is particularly important where documents are intended for use outside Nigeria or must satisfy the requirements of foreign institutions.
However, notarisation does not automatically establish that every statement contained in a document is true or guarantee its legal enforceability. Its effect depends on the nature of the notarial act and the applicable law.
2. Who Can Notarise Documents in Nigeria?
A Notary Public is a legal practitioner who has been formally appointed and authorised to perform notarial functions under Nigerian law.
Under the Notaries Public Act 2023, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has the authority to appoint qualified legal practitioners as Notaries Public.
Consequently, not every lawyer in Nigeria is automatically authorised to notarise documents. The legal practitioner must have received the appropriate appointment and complied with applicable registration requirements.
Individuals seeking notarial services should verify the credentials of their chosen practitioner through the official Electronic Notary Register or other appropriate regulatory channels.
3. Documents That Can Be Notarised in Nigeria
Different types of documents may require notarisation depending on their intended purpose and the requirements of the receiving institution.
Common examples include:
- Affidavits and statutory declarations: Documents containing sworn statements or formal declarations.
- Power of Attorney: Documents authorising another person to act on behalf of an individual or business.
- Property documents: Certain deeds, agreements and documents relating to property transactions.
- Corporate documents: Board resolutions, company records and commercial documents.
- Immigration documents: Consent letters, declarations and supporting documents for foreign applications.
- Educational documents: Academic certificates and other records where notarisation is specifically required.
- Commercial agreements: Contracts and other documents used in international business transactions.
Applicants should confirm whether the receiving institution requires notarisation, certification or additional authentication before proceeding.
4. Procedure for Notarising Documents in Nigeria
The process of notarisation generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the Document
The applicant should first identify the document and determine the type of notarial service required. This may involve witnessing a signature, administering an oath, verifying identity or certifying a copy.
Step 2: Locate a Registered Notary Public
The applicant should engage a duly appointed Notary Public. This can be done through a law firm offering notarial services or by consulting the official Electronic Notary Register.
It is important to verify the notary’s credentials before submitting documents or making payment.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
The applicant should provide the original document, relevant supporting records and valid identification, such as an international passport or another recognised government-issued identification document.
Where the document relates to a company, additional corporate records or evidence of signing authority may be required.
Step 4: Attend the Notarisation Appointment
For physical notarisation, the applicant ordinarily appears before the notary, who verifies their identity and confirms their willingness to execute the document.
Where a signature must be witnessed, the applicant should sign in the notary’s presence. Where an oath is required, the notary administers the appropriate oath or affirmation.
Step 5: Obtain the Notarised Document
After completing the required checks, the notary signs and applies the appropriate official seal or electronic signature. The notarial act must be recorded in accordance with applicable requirements.
The completed document is then made available to the applicant.
5. Where Can You Notarise Documents in Nigeria?
Notarial services are available through duly appointed Notaries Public practising across Nigeria.
In Lagos, individuals and businesses can approach law firms and legal practitioners who are authorised to provide notarial services. However, not every lawyer or law firm is qualified to perform these functions.
The Supreme Court’s Electronic Notary Register provides a useful means of identifying and verifying registered practitioners.
Applicants should confirm the availability of the required service, appointment arrangements and applicable professional fees before visiting a notary’s office.
6. Digital and Online Notarisation in Nigeria
An important development in Nigerian notarial practice is the recognition of electronic and remote notarisation under the Notaries Public Act 2023 and the Notary Public Regulations 2026.
Remote Online Notarisation allows eligible notarial acts to be conducted through secure electronic processes, including real-time audiovisual communication, subject to the applicable legal and technical requirements.
This development makes notarial services more accessible to individuals who cannot conveniently attend physical appointments.
It is particularly useful for Nigerians living abroad, businesses involved in international transactions and individuals handling documents remotely.
Notaries must comply with the applicable requirements concerning identity verification, electronic signatures, registration and record-keeping.
Applicants should confirm that their intended document and receiving institution accept the relevant form of electronic notarisation before using this service.
7. Difference Between a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths
Although both offices may administer oaths and handle certain legal documents, a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths perform different functions.
A Notary Public is appointed under the Notaries Public Act and can perform a wider range of notarial functions, including witnessing signatures, authenticating documents and carrying out authorised electronic notarisation.
A Commissioner for Oaths is authorised to administer oaths and take affidavits within the scope of the relevant legislation.
Therefore, an applicant should not assume that a document requiring notarisation can automatically be processed by a Commissioner for Oaths. The requirements of the receiving institution should first be established.
8. Cost and Duration of Notarisation in Nigeria
The cost of notarisation depends on the type of document, the nature of the notarial service, the number of documents involved and any additional administrative requirements.
Professional fees may also vary between notaries and law firms.
Simple documents may be processed relatively quickly, while complex transactions involving additional verification may require more time.
Applicants should request a fee quotation before proceeding and establish whether additional certification or authentication charges will apply.
9. Authentication of Notarised Documents for International Use
Notarisation may not be the final requirement where a document is intended for submission to a foreign government, court, embassy or other international institution.
Depending on the destination country, further authentication or legalisation may be necessary. This may involve verification by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where required, the relevant foreign diplomatic mission.
Applicants should confirm the requirements of the destination country before commencing the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Notarisation plays an important role in establishing the authenticity of documents used for personal, commercial and international transactions in Nigeria. With the introduction of the Notaries Public Act 2023 and the Notary Public Regulations 2026, Nigerian notarial practice has developed to accommodate both traditional and electronic services.
Individuals and businesses should ensure that they engage duly appointed Notaries Public and understand the specific requirements of their documents.
Obtaining professional legal assistance can help ensure that documents are properly prepared, notarised and authenticated where necessary.
Please note that this material is not legal advice. For professional support, please reach out to