In a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s legal landscape and combating document fraud, the Supreme Court, represented by Head of Notary Hadiza Bamaiyi, participated in the inauguration of the Society for Notaries Public of Nigeria (TSNP), in partnership with ToNote, technology partners to TSNP.
The event highlighted the crucial roles that technology, education, and enforcement will play in advancing document authentication practices and promoting excellence within Nigeria’s notarial profession.
Held on June 20th, 2024, at the prestigious Marriott Hotel in Lagos, the event was attended by Hadiza Bamaiyi, representing the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and Maryam Bello, representing the office of the Chief Registrar of Nigeria. The Society for Notaries, led by its Nigeria trustees including Justice Ayo Phillips (rtd.), Life Patron, Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan, President & Master of Notaries-In-Council, Mr. Wale Adekola, B.O.T. Chair, and Mr. Muyiwa Ayojimi, Secretary, along with Council members Mr. Layi Babatunde SAN, Mr. Chukwudi Adiukwu SAN, Mr. Kayode Enitan SAN, Mr. Alex Muoka, and Mr. John Dong, expressed their commitment to fostering the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the notarial practice.
The Society for Notaries Public (TSNP) brings together legal professionals appointed by the Nigerian government to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of documents used in applications, registrations, and transactions locally and abroad.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Marlies Allan, President and Master of Notaries (TSNP), highlighted the transformative impact of technology on notarial services.
“The integration of digital tools is essential for improving efficiency and security in document authentication,” she remarked.
Enthusiastic attendees watched as the ToNote team demonstrated how their solution enhances accessibility, speed, compliance, and verifiability of documents during notarial processes, all in accordance with the provisions of the Notary Public Act and Evidence Act 2023.
Fikayo Durosinmi-Etti, technology advisor to the board of trustees for the Society of Notaries Public and CEO of ToNote, discussed the challenges faced within the document authentication space, including inaccessible services, misrepresentation, non-compliance, and unverifiable documents. Insights uncovered following the completion of thousands of notarial transactions locally and internationally. His address was followed by a live demonstration showcasing how ToNote’s solution addresses these issues. Click here for a recap of the demo.
Demo Summary;
- Average time to notarise a document online is just 8 minutes.
- Connect with Supreme Court certified Notaries, who are also trained members of TSNP, online and on demand.
- Get documents certified or authenticated from anywhere in the world without paper, travel, or logistics costs, unless absolutely necessary.
- All sessions are virtual and conducted in real-time using identity-backed electronic signatures and seals.
- Every document is accompanied by a digital transaction certificate and audit trail to ensure security and non-repudiation.
- All notaries and documents on the system are verifiable
- The process is fully online, end-to-end, and compliant with the Notary Public and Evidence Acts of 2023.
During a fireside chat towards the conclusion of the event, there was consensus amongst members of the panel representing the Supreme Court, Nigerian Bar Association and TSNP, that ongoing education is essential for professional development in the notarial field. The Society for Notaries Public underscored its dedication to providing comprehensive training programs to keep notaries updated on the latest legal and technological advancements.
Panelists were engaged by representatives from NAFDAC, SEC, and various consulates on the document authentication challenges that they faced, and agreed that upholding the integrity of notarial services requires strict enforcement of standards. The Society was charged with the task of collaborating closely with the Supreme Court to ensure that notaries and institutions adhere strictly to guidelines aimed at preventing document fraud.
The inauguration of the Society for Notaries Public marks a new era for notarial services in Nigeria. Emphasizing technology, education, and enforcement, this initiative aims to improve the efficiency and integrity of document authentication processes.
Legal professionals are encouraged to participate in this transformative journey and leverage technologies like ToNote to deliver compliant, accessible and verifiable notarial services, paving the way for a future where legal processes are more streamlined and trusted.
