The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, has been conferred as an honorary executive member of the Society for Notaries Public, recognizing his commitment to advancing notarial practice in Nigeria.
Lawal Pedro was conferred during a courtesy visit by a delegation from The Society of Notaries Public led by Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan on Tuesday, 4th of March, 2025 at the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Justice, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja.
During the visit, He commended the organization’s efforts in enhancing governance and professional standards in notarial services.
Pedro emphasized the crucial role of notaries in ensuring the authenticity and credibility of legal documents, drawing from best practices in jurisdictions like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, where notarial services significantly reduce fraud.
Acknowledging the Society’s diverse and distinguished membership, the A.G pledged full support for initiatives that strengthen notarial practice in Lagos State and Nigeria.
He reiterated his office’s commitment to fair, efficient, and accessible justice administration and welcomed further collaboration with the Society to elevate Nigeria’s notarial standards to international levels.
Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, expressed gratitude for the honorary membership and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Society.
Speaking earlier at the visit, President and Master of Notaries, Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan, restated the critical role of notaries in ensuring the integrity of legal documents, reducing fraud, and enhancing governance.
She stated that since the formation of the Society for Notaries Public, it has been at the forefront of professionalizing notarial services in Nigeria, particularly with the introduction of digital notarization under the Notaries Public Act, 2023.
“The new law enables notaries to authenticate documents electronically, conduct remote notarizations, and use digital seals and signatures; aligning Nigeria’s notarial system with global best practices”, Allan said.
Chief Allan further explained that The Society is collaborating with the Supreme Court and technology partners to implement new regulations, eliminate quackery, and enhance notarial services while noting that discussions with foreign embassies are also ongoing to secure international recognition of Nigerian notaries.
The President also sought the Ministry’s support for two things which includes; Mandatory Notarization of Jurat Witnessing in Registrable Deeds; and Integration of Remote Notarization with Justice IT Infrastructure.
In her words; “i wish to recognize the giant strides you and your team in the Ministry are making to ensure that our justice system is strengthened for a better environment. Your support and encouragement are invaluable as we embark on a new chapter in the advancement of the notary profession in Nigeria” Allan stated.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, extended sincere gratitude to the Hon. Attorney-General for warmly receiving the Society and for his commitment to strengthening notarial practice in Lagos State and Nigeria.
He also commended the Society’s efforts in promoting excellence and advocating for reforms in notarial services.
“The Ministry values this collaboration and looks forward to working together to elevate standards in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”, Oyenuga said.
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