CJN swears in Taraba-based lawyer as notary public

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola swore in Hassan Saubana, a Taraba-based lawyer and Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Wukari branch, as a Notary Public on Friday.

The CJN administered the oath of office to Saubana during a brief ceremony at the Taraba High Court in Jalingo.

Represented by the Taraba Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Joel Agya, the CJN noted that the importance of a Notary Public in Nigeria could not be overemphasized, as he or she is deemed to be an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had signed the Notaries Public Act, 2023, into law on June 12, 2023, which repealed the Notaries Public Act, 2004.

“A Notary Public under the 2023 Act is an individual, usually a legal practitioner, commissioned or appointed by the CJN to perform notarial functions, including the authentication of documents and the administration of oaths and affirmations.

“Unlike what was obtainable before, the 2023 Act now provides for the registration of Notaries Public in a physical and electronic register to be kept by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“The key functions of Notaries Public include witnessing the execution of legal and international documents, assignments of intellectual property, powers of attorney, deeds, and company resolutions.

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“Others include obtaining authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preparing notarial certificates of law and good standing, verifying company documents, verifying identity and signature, performing digital notarization through electronic means, among others,” he said.

Agya explained that the important difference among a Commissioner for Oaths, a Justice of the Peace, and a Notary Public is that only a Notary Public can validly notarize documents that would be used in another country.

He called on other legal practitioners to apply to become Notaries, as being a Notary Public would add more value to their work and boost their careers.

Mr. Martin Milkman, the NBA Chairman, Jalingo branch, congratulated Saubana on his appointment by the CJN, saying it has opened the door for global practice.

Milkman commended the Taraba CJ for transforming the judiciary in the state for better justice administration.

In response, Hassan Saubana expressed gratitude to the CJN for finding him worthy of appointment as a Notary Public, saying he would do his best to deliver on his duties for the good of society.