Best Certified True Copies Lawyers in Nigeria

1. About Certified True Copies Law in Nigeria

The concept of a Certified True Copy (CTC) in Nigeria refers to a document copy that is verified as a faithful reproduction of the original by a legally competent person. Typically this certification is done by a lawyer, a Commissioner for Oaths, or a Notary Public. The certifier signs, stamps or seals the copy to confirm its authenticity for use in legal and administrative matters.

In Nigerian practice, the admissibility and reliability of certified copies are grounded in statutory rules and court practice. The Nigerian Evidence Act 2011 recognises certified copies as admissible evidence when certified by an authorized person. This makes CTCs a common substitute for original documents in litigation and administrative processes.

Nigeria's Evidence Act 2011 recognises certified copies of documents as admissible in court when certified by an authority empowered by law to do so.

For corporate and business matters, the Corporate Affairs Commission and other government bodies often require certified copies of company records, director resolutions, or statutory filings. The official process typically involves a legal practitioner or notary certifying the copies before submission to the requesting agency. See official legal resources for detailed statutory guidance.

Nigerian Evidence Act 2011 and Notaries Public Act provide the statutory framework for authentication and certification of copies. You should consult these acts or a qualified lawyer to understand how CTCs apply to your specific document and use-case. CAC pages also show how certified copies may be used for corporate filings.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Land transaction documentation - When purchasing property, banks or registries often require certified copies of title documents and the deed, certified by a lawyer, before disbursing funds or registering ownership.
• Educational and professional records - Universities, licensing bodies, or employers frequently demand CTCs of certificates, transcripts, or professional qualifications to verify authenticity during admissions, employment, or registration processes.
• Visa and immigration processes - Immigration authorities may require CTCs of birth certificates, marriage certificates, or academic records to support applications and to prevent fraud.
• Court filings and litigation - When submitting pleadings, affidavits, or other court documents, certified copies are often required to prove the authenticity of the supporting documents in evidence.
• Business and corporate transactions - For company incorporations, share transfers, or loan agreements, certified copies of director resolutions, memorandum, or annual returns are commonly requested by banks and regulators.
• Probate and estate administration - Probate petitions or letters of administration may require CTCs of death certificates, wills, and asset documents to certify authenticity.

Engaging a lawyer or a licensed notary early in the process helps ensure the correct authority signs the CTC, reduces delays, and minimizes the risk of rejected documents by authorities or institutions. A qualified legal professional can also advise on whether a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public is appropriate for your document type and jurisdiction.

3. Local Laws Overview

Notaries Public Act and Notarial Practice

The Notaries Public Act governs the appointment, powers, and duties of notaries and commissioners for oaths who certify true copies. It sets the standards for authentication of documents and the proper use of seals and signatures. This framework underpins who may certify copies and how they should present their certification to be legally effective. Notaries Public Act (official source).

Practitioners often rely on lawyers or commissioners for oaths to certify copies for court submissions and government filings. Always confirm with the receiving agency whether a lawyer certifies or a notary for your particular document is acceptable. For general guidance, see the official Notaries Public Act resources.

Nigerian Evidence Act 2011

The Nigerian Evidence Act 2011 governs the use of certified true copies in court and outlines the conditions under which copies may be admitted as evidence. It clarifies the authority of those who certify copies and the need for integrity in the certification process. Nigerian Evidence Act 2011.

In practice, a certified copy certified by a legally authorized person is usually treated as evidence of the content of the original document, subject to appropriate authentication and relevance rules. This Act forms the backbone of the procedural use of CTCs in Nigeria's courts and tribunals.

Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA 2020)

The CAMA 2020 modernised corporate governance and filing requirements for Nigerian companies. It also shapes how corporate documents are certified in relation to registrations, filings, and compliance. The Act came into force in 2020 and has been updated to reflect evolving business practices in Nigeria. CAMA 2020 (official source).

When dealing with corporate records, banks, regulators, and courts may require certified copies of company documents such as board resolutions, memorandum and articles of association, and annual returns. Ensure your CTCs align with the requirements of CAMA 2020 to avoid processing delays. For corporate filing guidance, see the CAC portal.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified true copy in Nigeria?

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document certified to be a faithful reproduction. A competent authority such as a lawyer or Commissioner for Oaths signs, stamps, or seals the copy to confirm authenticity. This enables use in official processes without presenting the original document.

How do I obtain a certified true copy of my birth certificate in Nigeria?

Take the original birth certificate to a lawyer or a Commissioner for Oaths who can certify the copy. They will verify the match with the original and affix their certification, ensuring it is acceptable for schools, banks, or government agencies.

Do I need a lawyer to certify copies or can a Commissioner for Oaths do it?

Both lawyers and Commissioners for Oaths can certify copies, depending on the document and receiving institution. A Notary Public may also certify copies for certain documents. Always confirm acceptance with the recipient before proceeding.

How long does it take to obtain a certified true copy in Nigeria?

Processing typically takes a few hours to a full business day, depending on document type and the practitioner's schedule. Complex or high-volume requests may take longer, especially if additional verification is required.

How much does a certified true copy typically cost in Nigeria?

Costs vary by document and practitioner, but a typical range is between ₦1,000 and ₦5,000 per copy. Fees can be higher for rush services or for multiple copies of highly complex documents.

What is the difference between a certified true copy and an attested copy?

A certified true copy is certified as a faithful copy of the original by an authorized person. An attested copy usually refers to a certified copy that has a sworn or formal affirmation by the certifier. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably in Nigeria.

Do I need to swear an affidavit with my CTC?

Most CTCs do not require an affidavit. Some authorities or processes may request an accompanying statutory declaration or affidavit to support the authenticity of the copies. Check the receiving body’s requirements.

Can I certify a foreign document in Nigeria?

Yes, a Nigerian lawyer or notary can certify a copy of a foreign document for use within Nigeria. The original foreign document should be presented during certification, and translations may be required by the recipient agency.

Is a CTC accepted for court use in Nigeria?

CTCs are widely accepted in Nigerian courts when certified by a legally authorized person. The Evidence Act governs admissibility, so ensure the certifier is appropriate for the document type and jurisdiction.

How long is a CTC valid for use by banks or universities?

CTCs typically do not have a universal expiry. Institutions may impose their own time limits, often requiring recent copies. Always verify the acceptable timeframe with the receiving organization.

Should I use a lawyer or a Commissioner for Oaths for my CTC?

Choose based on document type and recipient requirements. For property, probate, or court matters, a lawyer or Notary Public is usually appropriate. For routine administrative tasks, a Commissioner for Oaths may suffice if accepted by the institution.

Where can I find a certified true copies lawyer near me?

Consult the Nigerian Bar Association or local law firms for qualified practitioners who offer CTC services. Ensure the professional is licensed and familiar with the type of document you need certified.

5. Additional Resources

• - Official government body that registers companies and maintains corporate records; provides guidance on certified copies of company documents for filings and regulatory compliance. https://www.cac.gov.ng/
• - Government authority that issues guidance on legal practice, oaths, and notarial matters; useful for understanding who may certify copies and how to obtain official certifications. https://justice.gov.ng/
• - Official repository of Nigerian laws, including the Evidence Act and Notaries Public Act; essential for understanding the legal basis of certified true copies. https://legislation.gov.ng/