Having been privileged to be appointed into the office of a Notary Public upon taking the oath of office I deem it fit to make this exposition about the significance of the office.

Most countries of the world will only recognize the authenticity of a document especially when it relates to travelling documents unless such document is verified and authenticated by a person known as Notary Public. In the like manner, Nigeria have legislated into law the Notary Public Act for this purpose. Documents are therefore required to be notarized where necessary or prescribed for original documents to be recognized within or without Nigeria. In Nigeria, Notary Public Act No. 107 of 1995 empowers the Chief Justice of Nigeria to appoint persons into the office of a Notary Public. Upon appointment, every Notary Public becomes an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria having been found fit and proper to be appointed.

Some have wondered what duty or documents are required for a notary public to act upon. A Notary Public can attest to traveling documents required for notarization by immigration laws, power of attorney, declarations made on oath, promissory note, bill of exchange, contracts and instruments made between parties. He can as well authenticate documents that will be accepted outside the shores of Nigeria such as marriage certificate.

However, the office comes with its ethical responsibilities. For example, the office is not meant for self aggrandizement or money making. A Notary cannot charge fees exceeding the amount prescribed by the Notary Public Act. By the Oath of office, he cannot add or diminish anything without the knowledge and consent of the party or parties appearing before him or alter the substance of the fact of document in which he is meant to attest. A notary public is further prevented from attesting any act, contract or instrument in which he knows there is violence or fraud or have interest. He is expected to act uprightly and justly in the business of notary public according to the best of his skill and ability.

In some jurisdiction, for example in the New York in United States, before a person can be appointed, he must have passed required examinations conducted by the Division of Licensing Services. In Nigeria, the requirement is simple. You must be found ‘fit and proper’ by the Chief Justice of Nigeria subsequent upon an application to be appointed into the office. The documents required for the appointment of a Notary Public are as follows:

1. 3 copies of formal Application letter printed on the letter headed paper should be addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Abuja.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) should be duly signed. 23 copies of such C.V. is required from applicant practicing in Lagos State and 15 copies for other states.

3. Photocopies of practicing fees receipt for 7 consecutive 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 as prescribed by Rule 9 of Rules of Professional Conduct 2007.

4. 3 photocopies of Call to Bar Certificate.

5. 3 photocopies of Applicant’s Incorporation Certificate with the Corporate Affairs Commission

It must be borne in mind that the appointment of a Notary Public is on individual basis though applications are better submitted in the first quarter of the year.