The cost of swearing an affidavit in Nigeria varies depending on where it is commissioned and other associated services. If you choose to have your affidavit signed before a Notary Public in Nigeria, you can expect to pay between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000.
Understanding Affidavit Commissioning Fees
Swearing an affidavit involves formally declaring the truthfulness of the statements within the document before an authorized individual. This individual can be a Notary Public, a Commissioner for Oaths (typically found in High Court or Magistrate Court Registries), or other designated legal officers. The fees primarily cover the commissioning of the document.
Factors Influencing the Cost
Several elements can impact the total cost of swearing an affidavit in Nigeria:
- Type of Commissioning Authority:
- Notary Public: Generally, engaging a Notary Public for an affidavit costs between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000. Notaries Public are legal practitioners authorized to administer oaths and attest documents, often offering more convenient or expedited services.
- Court Registry (Commissioner for Oaths): Swearing an affidavit at a High Court or Magistrate Court Registry through a Commissioner for Oaths is typically less expensive. These fees often include stamp duty and a nominal commissioning fee, which can range from a few hundreds to a few thousands of Naira, depending on the specific court and type of affidavit. However, it might involve more time due to queues or administrative processes.
- Drafting Fees: If you require a lawyer to draft the affidavit from scratch, this will be an additional professional service fee. The complexity of the affidavit and the lawyer's experience will influence this cost.
- Complexity of the Affidavit: More complex affidavits requiring extensive legal research or intricate wording might incur higher legal drafting fees.
- Number of Copies: While the commissioning fee is usually per document, there might be minor additional charges for extra certified copies.
- Location: Legal service fees can sometimes vary slightly between major cities (e.g., Lagos, Abuja) and smaller towns.
Breakdown of Potential Costs
Here's a general table illustrating potential cost components when swearing an affidavit:
| Service/Component | Typical Cost Range (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioning Fee | ||
| Notary Public | 15,000 – 25,000 | For having the affidavit signed and stamped by a Notary Public. |
| Court Registry | 500 – 5,000 (approx.) | This is an approximate range for official court fees (stamp duty, commissioning) and can be significantly lower than Notary Public fees. |
| Legal Drafting Fee | 5,000 – 50,000+ | If a lawyer prepares the affidavit from scratch. Varies based on complexity and lawyer's fees. |
| Consultation Fee | Varies (if applicable) | Some lawyers might charge a separate consultation fee before drafting or advising on the affidavit. |
| Stamp Duty | Included in commissioning | Usually a small, fixed government charge often incorporated into the total commissioning fee, particularly at court registries. |
Practical Insights
- Identify Your Needs: Determine if your affidavit requires specific legal expertise for drafting or if a standard template will suffice.
- Choose Wisely: If urgency and convenience are priorities, a Notary Public might be preferable, despite the higher cost. If cost-efficiency is paramount and you have time, the court registry could be a better option.
- Prepare Your Document: If you are only seeking to commission an already drafted affidavit, ensure it is complete and accurate to avoid extra charges or delays.
- Inquire Locally: Fees can sometimes be subject to minor regional variations, so it's advisable to inquire about the current charges from a specific Notary Public or court registry.
