Affidavits are essential legal documents needed for various purposes in Nigeria. They are sworn statements affirming facts or declarations made under oath or penalty of perjury.
Traditionally, obtaining an affidavit involved physically visiting a court, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Fortunately, some Nigerian states have streamlined the process by offering online affidavit services.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the entire process of how to get an affidavit online in Nigeria.
What is an Affidavit?
Before diving into the online process, let’s clarify what an affidavit is. An affidavit is a written statement that contains a person’s declarations.
These declarations are formally sworn to be true before a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public. Affidavits serve as official evidence and are used for various reasons, including:
- Legal proceedings
- Identity verification
- Change of name
- Declaration of age
- Proof of loss
States in Nigeria Offering Online Affidavit Services
Currently, a few Nigerian states allow you to obtain affidavits online. These include:
- Rivers State
- Lagos State (partially)
- Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
How to Get an Affidavit Online in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a breakdown of the steps for states offering online affidavit services:
1. Access the State Judiciary Website
- Begin by visiting the official website of the state judiciary where you want to obtain the affidavit. For instance, if you’re in Rivers State, visit the Rivers State Judiciary website (https://rivcomis.riversstate.gov.ng).
2. Create an Account
- Most online affidavit platforms require you to create a user account. Provide the necessary details, including your name, email address, phone number, and create a secure password.
3. Select the Affidavit Type
- Choose the specific type of affidavit you need from the available options. Common affidavit types include:
- Affidavit of Change of Name
- Affidavit of Date of Birth
- Affidavit of Loss of Document
- Affidavit of Confirmation
4. Fill Out the Affidavit Form
- Carefully complete the online affidavit form, ensuring all information is accurate. You’ll typically need to provide:
- Your full name and address
- Details of the subject of the affidavit
- Relevant dates
- A clear declaration of the facts
5. Upload Supporting Documents
- Depending on the type of affidavit, you might need to upload supporting documents like:
- A passport photograph
- Valid means of identification (National ID card, Driver’s License, International Passport)
6. Payment
- After completing the form and uploading documents, proceed with the online payment for the affidavit processing fee. Payment options usually include debit/credit cards or online banking transfers.
7. Approval and Download
- Once your affidavit application is reviewed and approved by a Commissioner of Oaths, you’ll be able to download and print the finalized affidavit document from the same website.
Important Considerations
- Availability: Recall that online affidavit services are currently limited to select states in Nigeria.
- Specific Requirements: Individual states may have slightly different procedures and requirements. Always refer to the specific guidelines on the state judiciary website.
- Legal Assistance: If you’re unsure about the process or the type of affidavit you need, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer for assistance.
Conclusion
The ability to get an affidavit online in Nigeria streamlines this important legal process, saving time and offering greater convenience. As more states adopt online platforms, obtaining affidavits will become easier for Nigerians nationwide.
I hope this comprehensive blog post has provided valuable insights into how to get an affidavit online in Nigeria.
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