Here, we outline clear information about 'Apostille' in the Nigerian context (document authentication, attestation, and legalization in Nigeria), along with practical details about our wider document processing services. We also explain how our Nigeria diaspora services work for Nigerians abroad and foreign stakeholders with interests in Nigeria.
What is Apostille?
Apostille stamp is a form of authentication or certification seal appended on documents to prove that such documents are legally issued by the originating authority, genuine, and valid for use in the destination country (i.e. the foreign country where you intend to use such a document). It is typically issued by a country's ministry of foreign affairs or its equivalent.
Can I Get Apostille Stamp on my document in Nigeria?
Technically, no. Because Nigeria is not a member-country of the Hague Apostille Convention. What you get in Nigeria is authentication, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, which is equivalent to apostille stamp internationally.
Is Authentication the same thing as Apostille?
In a sense, yes. In countries like Nigeria that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, authentication serves the same purpose and carries the same authority as the apostille stamp, worldwide. People use different terms to describe authentication - including attestation. Generally, to apostille a document in Nigeria is the same thing as to authenticate, attest, or certify the document.
How can you help me with authentication/Legalization of documents and certificates in Nigeria?
We can help you with the process of authenticating/attesting documents at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. We may also be able to help with legalization of such documents at the embassy of your destination country in Nigeria if required.
Depending on the requirements of specific countries and the nature of the document, you may either have to send us the original document via courier, or a a digital copy of it (e.g. Police Character Certificate). Afterwards, we assist you with the entire process - paying the official authentication fees, submitting the document to the relevant certifying offices, and ensuring that the officials act on it quickly.
After the procedure has been completed, we send the authenticated document down to your location anywhere in the world via courier.
Do I have to authenticate the original document or a copy of it?
Most embassies and destination countries accept authenticated copies )though you may have to also tender the original, just for confirmatory or 'sighting' purposes.. However, some countries / embassies (e.g. UAE, Poland, India, Russia, Czech Republic, etc) often require you to authenticate the original document.
It is advisable for you to first find out from the embassy or relevant authority of your destination country whether the original or a copy should be authenticated, before contacting us for assistance with the authentication process.
How long does the authentication process take?
When you use our authentication assistance services, it typically takes between 2 to 5 working days to complete the process and dispatch the authenticated document to you. Thanks to the expedited action due to our extensive contacts and in-depth understanding of how the process works.
However, if you choose to follow the official procedure to get your document authenticated in Nigeria, it may take weeks to finalize and get your document out. This is in addition to the immense stress, inconvenience and frustration you would likely face when dealing with the government bureaucracy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Education as the case may be.
How much does it cost to help me authenticate my document?
It depends. The costs vary depending on the nature of the document and the total number of pages and documents you want to authenticate. These costs vary and tend to change consistently, so kindly contact us for a current quote if you are ready to use our service.
Why is your price significantly higher than the official authentication cost?
The official government fee is only one part of the process. In reality, processing documents or getting documents authenticated in Nigeria involves long queues, slow bureaucratic procedures, and repeated follow-ups at the relevant Ministries in Abuja. For anyone outside Nigeria — or even outside Abuja — this is both time-consuming and impractical.
Our pricing reflects more than just the government’s stamp:
- On-the-ground access in Abuja to move your documents through the system without delay.
- Time and convenience saved — you don’t have to travel, chase officials, or wait endlessly.
- End-to-end handling — from preparation, submission, and follow-up to final delivery.
- Peace of mind knowing your documents are in the hands of a seasoned team with extensive experience and contacts in this area.
In effect, you are not only paying for authentication, but also paying for speed, certainty, and the assurance that you have entrusted the process to people who know what they are doing.
I want to authenticate my academic certificates, is it necessary to do both Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education authentication?
Yes. If the document you wish to authenticate is an academic certificate such as degree, diploma, transcripts, WAEC, and other similar certifications issued by a Nigerian institution, then it is compulsory to certify it first at the Ministry of Education, followed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not accept your academic document for authentication unless it has already been certified by the Ministry of Education.
Do I need to notarize my document before submitting it for authentication?
Not always. It depends on the requirement of your destination country embassy. Most countries/embassies do not explicitly require a notary public stamp (notarization) along with authentication. However, countries like China (Chinese Embassy) and Qatar require notarization along with authentication. Certain documents (such as Police Character Certificate) may also need to be notarized before legalization at the Embassy if required. Please inquire from the embassy of your destination country about this requirement if you're not sure.
How Do You Assist With Document Processing in Nigeria?
Our “document processing” services refer to helping clients navigate official Nigerian channels to ensure their important documents are properly prepared, verified, and ready for use. This may include:
- Civil registry records (e.g. birth certificates or birth attestation certificates through the National Population Commission of Nigeria).
- Single Status certificates (such as proof of single status or bachelorhood/single status letters through the appropriate local councils in Nigeria).
- Affidavits (e.g. declaration of age affidavits, single status affidavits and other affidavits deposing to statements of fact from the appropriate courts).
- Police character certificates and other official clearances.
Each case is unique, and requirements often vary depending on the country or institution requesting the document. What we do is guide and facilitate the process on the ground in Nigeria to ensure clients abroad can meet these requirements in full accordance with legal and official stipulations.
Note: Because each authority has its own procedures, we discuss the specifics directly with clients to clarify what is possible and the exact steps involved.
What Does Your Diaspora Support Services for Nigeria Entail?
Our Nigeria diaspora services arose as an offshoot or extension of our long-running document processing and authentication assistance for Nigerians living abroad or intending to travel abroad. It is simply a trust extension signal that took on a life of its own, as many diasporans who have used our services increasingly found that they can rely on us to get things done on the ground in Nigeria on their behalf.
For Nigerians abroad and foreigners with interests in Nigeria, certain tasks are almost impossible to manage from outside the country without a dependable local partner or a local proxy with hands-on experience.
This is where our diaspora services come in. We act as your trusted proxy on the ground in Nigeria, helping you verify, oversee, and facilitate important matters that would otherwise require your physical presence.
Over the years, we have assisted clients with a wide range of needs — from processing/submitting documents and validating transactions to monitoring personal or family projects, and ensuring sensitive matters are handled with discretion and integrity.
Our value lies in the trust and transparency we bring to every engagement, coupled with our deep understanding of Nigeria’s systems and local realities.
For those living abroad, this means peace of mind and the assurance that critical issues at home are being managed competently, reliably, and in your best interest.