Nigerian missions in the United States do not act as notaries in the civil-law sense. A power of attorney for use in Nigeria is normally drafted by a Nigerian legal practitioner, signed before a U.S. notary, certified by the state, and then registered or stamped in Nigeria as the transaction requires.
Quick facts
Property transactions in Nigeria are exacting. A power used to sell or transfer land is checked by the state land registry, and the wording, the stamping and the registration all have to match what that registry expects.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | Bring the document unsigned |
| State certification | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Consular authentication where requested | Mission tariff | Ask the receiving party first |
| Stamp duty and registration in Nigeria | Charged there | Varies by state |
| Legal fees in Nigeria | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and registration |
Because the chain crosses several authorities, confirming the expected route before starting is what keeps the cost down.
How to do it
- Ask the Nigerian lawyer handling the matter to draft the power with the exact wording the registry or bank requires.
- Bring it unsigned to a U.S. notary and sign in front of them.
- Send the notarised original for state certification.
- Where the receiving party asks for consular authentication, submit it to the mission with the form and fee.
- Courier the original to Nigeria and keep the tracking record.
- Have it stamped and registered there before anyone acts on it.
Required documents
- Valid passport or other photo identification for every signatory.
- The unsigned draft, complete, with no blank fields.
- Full details of the person receiving the power.
- Property or account references.
- Witnesses where the document requires them.
- Payment for each stage of the chain.
Where to apply
Notarisation is done locally; certification is done by the state; consular authentication, where needed, is done at the embassy or a consulate.
Additional notes
Land is state-regulated
Land transactions are governed at state level in Nigeria, and requirements differ between states. The instruction has to come from someone practising there.
Be specific
Registries reject vague powers. Name the property, the title reference and the acts authorised.
Witnesses
Some documents require witnesses who are not the notary. Arrange them in advance, since a notary cannot witness for you.
Revocation
Revoking a power requires a further document through the same chain, and notice must reach whoever holds the original.