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Lagos Launches Public Notary Office to Expand Access to Legal Services

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, March 28th 2026 at 18:53 GMT by legit
      Locale: NIGERIA

Lagos, Nigeria - March 28th, 2026 - The Lagos State Government has taken a major step towards improving access to legal services for its citizens with the official launch of a dedicated Notaries Public Oath Office, and crucially, a plan for its expansion across all Local Government Areas (LGAs). The initial office, strategically located in Ikeja, marks the beginning of a program designed to alleviate the long-standing issues of cost, accessibility, and administrative burdens associated with obtaining essential notary services.

For years, Lagos residents requiring oaths, affidavits, statutory declarations, and other notarial acts faced a frustrating landscape. Options were limited, often forcing individuals to travel considerable distances - sometimes across the sprawling metropolis - or pay significantly inflated fees to private notary practitioners. This presented a particular hardship for those in remote communities, the elderly, or those with limited financial resources. The state government's new initiative directly addresses these concerns, aiming to democratize access to vital legal processes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olufemi Adeniyi, emphasized the government's commitment to citizen-centric governance. "Access to justice is a fundamental right, not a privilege," Adeniyi stated. "For too long, simple administrative requirements like obtaining an affidavit have been needlessly complicated and expensive for many Lagosians. This Notaries Public Oath Office is a key part of our strategy to break down those barriers."

The Ikeja office represents the first phase of a larger plan. The Ministry of Justice announced that the office will operate on a carefully planned rotational schedule, systematically visiting each of Lagos State's 20 Local Government Areas. This mobile approach ensures that citizens across the entire state, regardless of their location, will have convenient and affordable access to notary services. A detailed schedule, outlining specific dates and locations for each LGA, will be published on the Ministry of Justice website and disseminated through local media channels.

The services offered at the Notaries Public Oath Office will encompass a wide range of notarial acts, including administering oaths for affidavits and statutory declarations, witnessing signatures, and certifying documents for both domestic and international use. Importantly, the fees charged at the government-run office will be significantly lower than those typically charged by private notaries, making these services accessible to a wider segment of the population. The Ministry confirmed the pricing structure will be publicly available.

The move has been widely applauded by legal professionals and civil society organizations. "This is a brilliant initiative that will have a real impact on the lives of ordinary Lagosians," commented Barrister Chioma Okoro, a Lagos-based legal aid advocate. "The reduction in cost and travel time will be particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations."

Beyond the immediate benefits to individuals, the initiative is also expected to streamline administrative processes within the state. By providing a centralized and regulated source of notary services, the government hopes to reduce fraud and ensure the authenticity of important documents. This will have implications for various sectors, including land registration, property transactions, and legal proceedings.

The Lagos State Government is also exploring the integration of digital technology into the notary services provided. Plans are underway to develop an online portal where citizens can book appointments, submit documents, and track the progress of their applications. This digital transformation will further enhance convenience and efficiency, making it even easier for Lagosians to access essential legal services. This focus on digitalization is in line with the State's overall smart city initiative.

The success of the initial Ikeja office and the subsequent rollout across the LGAs will be closely monitored. The Ministry of Justice has established a feedback mechanism to gather input from citizens and address any challenges that may arise. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the Notaries Public Oath Office remains responsive to the evolving needs of the Lagos population.