An office of the notary public has been established at the Ikoyi Passport Office in Lagos for speedy processing of legal documents required by applicants.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited Ikoyi Passport Office on Thursday reports that many applicants were patronising the notary public located within the premises to swear affidavits and sign guarantor’s forms.
A notary’s main functions are to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate the execution of certain classes of legal documents.
An official of the passport office, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the notary public was located in the premises to reduce the time wasted by applicants in the procurement of legal documents.
According to him, sworn affidavits, guarantor’s forms and age declaration, which were hitherto done at various courts, are now done at the passport office.
“Providing a notary public in the passport office has saved applicants the stress of going to courts to sign affidavits,” the official said.
A passport applicant, Mr Victor Oduolowu, commended the authorities for providing notary public services at the passport office.
He said that the initiative would enhance speedy processing and delivery of passports.
“Many applicants are not well-informed of required documentation only to be turned back on getting to the passport office, this is a welcome development,” Oduolowu said.
Another applicant, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, noted that the usual chaotic atmosphere resulting from the activities of agents had disappeared at the Ikoyi office.
He said it was remarkable that the passport office remained open on Saturday for applicants who might be busy on weekdays to capture and pick up their passports.
Lawal commended the officers for the effective control and management of applicants within the premises.
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