Supreme Court Rejects NBA Statement on Notaries' Seals

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has told lawyers and the public to ignore a statement from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) about tamper-proof seals for Notaries Public.

In a statement on Thursday, Hadiza Bamaiyi, who heads the Notary Public Unit of the Supreme Court, said they noticed the NBA's publication from 21 June. This publication mentioned a letter dated 11 October 2024 about tamper-proof seals for Notaries Public.

Notaries Public are important in the justice system. They are lawyers chosen by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. They act as official witnesses. They verify identities, administer oaths, and certify documents for both local and international use.

The Supreme Court said that the NBA's publication about 'Tamper Proof Seals for Notaries Public' should be ignored.

The court is currently looking into its agreement with Strata Flex Nigeria Ltd. about issuing physical seals for Notaries Public.

"The Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently reviewing its engagement with Strata Flex Nigeria Ltd. in respect of the issuance of physical seals for Notaries Public," the statement said.

The court instructed members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Notaries Public, and others involved to direct all questions and requests for clarity about physical seals to the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court until further notice.

"Accordingly, all enquiries, clarifications, or correspondence relating to physical seals for Notaries Public should be directed only to the Office of the Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, pending further directives from the Court," the notice added.

This clarification from the Supreme Court came shortly after the NBA told its members, especially Notaries Public, that a letter from the Office of the Chief Registrar dated 11 October 2024 had allowed Strata Flex Nigeria Ltd. to provide tamper-proof seals for Notaries Public in Nigeria.

In the notice released on 21 June, the NBA said this plan was meant to improve the trustworthiness, authenticity, security, and reliability of notarial acts and documents. They aimed to protect the public from forgery and unauthorized notarization.

The NBA also told Notaries Public to follow any rules, guidelines, and procedures that the Supreme Court and Strata Flex may issue concerning the seals.

The association said it is committed to supporting efforts to boost the justice system, maintain professional standards, and build public trust in legal and notarial services.

But now, the Supreme Court has distanced itself from that statement, saying its relationship with Strata Flex about physical seals is still under review.

The court remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity of notarial practice and protecting the public from abuse.

Notaries Public are legal professionals appointed by the Supreme Court. They verify documents, administer oaths, and perform other official duties recognized by Nigerian law. Tamper-proof seals are meant to provide a security feature to verify the authenticity of notarial acts and reduce the chances of forgery and misuse.