Affidavit & Single Status Certificate in Nigeria – Requirements & Procedure

Obtaining an affidavit and a single status certificate in Nigeria involves several steps and requires interaction with both court and government offices. These documents are often needed for purposes such as marriage, immigration, and other legal or administrative processes where proof of one's marital status is required. Below is a detailed guide on obtaining a single status affidavit and a single status certificate in Nigeria.

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Affidavit of Single Status

?An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in legal matters. In Nigeria, obtaining an affidavit typically involves the following steps:

1.???? Draft the Affidavit: You can draft the affidavit yourself or have it prepared by a legal practitioner. The document should clearly state the facts and declarations stating that you are single. The affidavit must contain your full name, occupation, and address within the jurisdiction. If you are unfamiliar with how to draft an affidavit, it is important to contact a lawyer or law firm for assistance.

2.???? Visit a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths: Once the affidavit is drafted, you must visit a notary public or a commissioner for oaths. These are court officials statutorily authorized to administer oaths and attest to the validity of a document.

3.???? Swear the Affidavit: Present the drafted affidavit to the Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths. You must take an oath that the affidavit's contents are true. The Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths will sign, stamp, and seal the document.?

4.???? Pay the Required Fees: There are fees associated with notarizing or deposing to an affidavit, which vary depending on the complexity and purpose of the affidavit.

5.???? Collect the Affidavit: After the affidavit has been notarized, you will receive the original sworn affidavit with the official seal and signature of the Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths. This Affidavit is now legally valid and can be used to process a certificate of single status.

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Procedure for Single Status Certificate

A single status certificate, also known as a certificate of no impediment to marriage, is a document that confirms an individual's marital status as single. The process to obtain this certificate in Nigeria involves the following steps:

1. Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather required documents, which typically include:

?? - A sworn affidavit of single status

?? - Valid identification (e.g., international passport, national ID card, or driver's license)

?? - Birth certificate or age declaration

- Recent passport-sized photographs

2. Visit the Local Government Office: Go to the local government registry in your area or the Federal Ministry of Interiors, Abuja. This is where the application for the single status certificate is usually issued. If you want to use this document abroad and require legalization at any embassy within Nigeria, you may reach out to the embassy to ask what type of single status is required by them. Some embassies require the single status to be issued by the Federal Ministry of Interiors, whereas local governments have the requisite power to issue a valid single status certificate too, and it may be faster at the local government to obtain. You may wish to consult an experienced lawyer to determine the type of single status certificate suitable for you.

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3. Submit an Application: Complete an application form for the single status certificate. This form can often be obtained at the registry office.

4. Provide Supporting Documents: Submit the completed application form and the supporting documents mentioned above. You may also need to provide a letter stating the purpose for which the certificate is needed.

5. Verification Process: The registry office will conduct a verification process to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. This may include cross-referencing with other government databases and conducting interviews if necessary.

6. Pay the Required Fees: Fees are associated with processing the single status certificate. The amount varies depending on whether the application is made at the Federal Ministry of Interiors or at the local government area and the urgency of the request.

7. Collect the Certificate: After the complete verification process and the application is approved, you will be issued a single status certificate. The processing time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the registry's use and efficiency.

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Practical Tips:

• Accuracy and Honesty: Ensure that all information provided in the affidavit and the application for the single status certificate is accurate and truthful. Any discrepancies or false information can lead to delays, rejection of the application, or legal consequences.
• Professional Assistance: Consider seeking assistance from a legal practitioner or an experienced individual who has gone through the process. This can help avoid common pitfalls and ensure that the application process is smooth and efficient.
• Keep Copies: Make copies of all submitted and received documents, including the affidavit, the application form, supporting documents, and the single status certificate. Having copies can be helpful if any issues arise or if you need to reapply.
• Avoid Quack: It is your responsibility to make a genuine single-status certificate. Therefore, avoid quacks who may pretend to know how to process the document, only to give you fake or fraudulent documents not emanating from the government office. There are serious consequences for using a fake document under Nigerian law, including imprisonment of up to three years on conviction.
• Authentication & Legalization: Where the document is to be used abroad, it must also be authenticated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some countries may also request the document to be legalized at their embassies in Nigeria.

Obtaining an affidavit and a single status certificate in Nigeria is straightforward if you follow the prescribed steps and ensure that all information provided is accurate and truthful. You can successfully obtain these important legal documents by understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and following up with the relevant authorities.

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By Resolution Law Firm

Email: [email protected]

Tel/WhatsApp: +2348099223322