In many countries of the world, a document can only be accepted internationally if it has been notarized or formally authenticated, and its genuineness verified and certified by a Notary Public.

The procedure for notarising a document in Nigeria requires a person seeking same to submit the relevant document that requires notarization to a Notary Public. Affidavits can also be sworn before a Notary Public.

In Nigeria, Notaries are members of the Legal Profession who attained the minimum requirement and was so appointed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the Notary Public Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The said Act defines the roles, the appointment, & responsibilities of a Notary Public in Nigeria.

Notaries are deemed to be officers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who are qualified to authenticate, prepare, attest, verify, witness and certify original documents for use in Nigeria and internationally. A notarial certification or authentication is generally recognised as an international certification of authenticity. The Hague convention gives international recognition to the office and seal of a Notary Public.

Whenever a Notary has notarized or certified any document, such a document must be sealed with the Notary’s seal or stamp and recorded in a register permanently kept by the Notary. While there isn't a general fee schedule for notarization of documents or other acts of a Notary Public, the cost or fee for notarization vary depending on the individua-Notary, location and the nature of document sought to be notarised.


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FREQUENT DRAFTING ERRORS IN LAND DOCUMENTATION:
1. Use of 'Mr & Mrs John Briggs Ime' when drafting a land document over property purchased by couples; husband and wife, rather than ' Mr John Briggs Ime & Mrs Joy Briggs Ime'.

2. Skipping including "Registered Trustees of ..
Or Incorporated Trustees of...." for juristic persons registered under Part C of CAMA.

3. Vague description of land, and non reference to Survey Plan No. and Beacon/Pillar No.s

4. Vague recitals and error of copy and paste.


MUST DOS:
1. Ensure all pages/every page of Land Document/Deeds are signed by all parties.

2. Ensure the Deed is clear as to whether the transfer is a Leasehold(for a term of years) or a Freehold(outright).

3. Investigate and ascertain outstanding ground rent where property is covered by Certificate of Occupancy before purchase.

4. Ascertain if property is subject of litigation (lis pendens).


maestrolaw01@gmail.com
maestro_law@yahoo.com
+2348036964847