… Restates Commitment To Improved Notarial Practices
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has been honoured as an honorary executive member of the Society for Notaries Public as part of recognition of his commitment to advancing notarial practice in Nigeria.
Lawal Pedro was conferred with the award during a courtesy visit by a delegation from The Society of Notaries Public led by Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan to the Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja recently.
The Commissioner commended the organization’s efforts in enhancing governance and professional standards in notarial services.
Pedro emphasised the crucial role of notaries in ensuring the authenticity and credibility of legal documents, drawing from best practices in jurisdictions like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, where notarial services significantly reduce fraud.
Acknowledging the Society’s diverse and distinguished membership, the Attorney-General pledged full support for initiatives that strengthen notarial practice in Lagos State and Nigeria.
He reiterated his office’s commitment to fair, efficient, and accessible justice administration and welcomed further collaboration with the Society to elevate Nigeria’s notarial standards to international levels.
Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed gratitude for the honorary membership and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Society.
Speaking earlier, President and Master of Notaries, Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan restated the critical role of notaries in ensuring the integrity of legal documents, reducing fraud, and enhancing governance.
She stated that since the formation of the Society for Notaries Public, it has been at the forefront of professionalizing notarial services in Nigeria, particularly with the introduction of digital notarization under the Notaries Public Act, 2023.
“The new law enables notaries to authenticate documents electronically, conduct remote notarizations, and use digital seals and signatures; aligning Nigeria’s notarial system with global best practices”, Allan said.
Chief Allan further explained that the Society is collaborating with the Supreme Court and technology partners to implement new regulations, eliminate quackery, and enhance notarial services, noting that discussions with foreign embassies are also ongoing to secure international recognition of Nigerian notaries.
The President also sought the Ministry’s support for the Mandatory Notarization of Jurat Witnessing in Registrable Deeds and the Integration of Remote Notarization with Justice IT Infrastructure.
In her words, “I wish to recognize the giant strides you and your team in the Ministry are making to ensure that our justice system is strengthened for a better environment. Your support and encouragement are invaluable as we embark on a new chapter in the advancement of the notanai profession in Nigeria”, Allan stated.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga commended the Society’s efforts in promoting excellence and advocating for reforms in notarial services.
“The Ministry values this collaboration and looks forward to working together to elevate standards in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”, Oyenuga said.