It is on a sad note I write on the above subject matter on the premier bank in Nigeria, also called Nigeria’s number one bank; First Bank of Nigeria Limited popularly called “First Bank” which was established 1894.
It’s shocking to find out that their legal department is not abrest with the Notary Public Act and the validity of a notorized document.
A client had issue with her name on first bank system being an abbreviation of her name. Her BVN and Identity card had the correct name thus she was asked to get an affidavit to effect the correction of name on the First Bank System which was wrongly captured.
Due to the festive season, the court was not functioning and she needed an affidavit urgently. She came over to a Notary Public Office were the affidavit of correction of name was drafted, signed stamped and issued accordingly. She joyfully went into the bank branch hopeful that the issue would be resolved.
To her surprise, she was asked by customer care officer of the branch to go and get an affidavit from the court that First Bank Nigeria don’t accept Affidavit from Notary Public.
When she returned in a state of helplessness, I tried to pull some strings from a friend who works there and sadly my friend informed me that they only accepted Notary Affidavit when court was on strike. She categorically informed me that the legal department will not approve the use of the notarized affidavit except an affidavit prepared by a court.
This got me thinking, is the legal department of First Bank Nigeria manned by lawyers or laymen?
What had changed between the strike time and now that made the notorized the document acceptable during the strike but now being worthless and thus cannot be acted upon?
Well I do not want to believe that the legal department is manned by laymen. But for crying out loud, they need to research on the Subject matter to avoid suits that will cause the bank to suffer huge loss.
Haba! Ignorance is not an excuse.
The value placed on a notorized document is beyond the walls of Nigeria, it is universally accepted.
Notary public in Nigeria is appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and by virtue of their appointment he/she becomes an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The task undertaken by notary public are not limited to the following;
1. Administration of oaths for giving of evidence;
2. A Notary Public may witness the execution of local and international documents;
3. Preparation of Notarial Certificates of Law & Good Standing;
4. Notarisation of Bills of Exchange;
5. Obtaining authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
6. Notary Public may be engaged in taking Affidavits, Declarations & Depositions;
7. Verification of Company documents and Verification of identity and/or signature;
8. Power of Attorney;
9. Transfers of Land Agreement
10. Security Documentation;
11. Assignments of Intellectual Property;
12. Deeds;
13. Mortgages; and
14. Company Resolutions, Minutes of Meetings and Reports.
Notary Public also notorize documents for immigration purposes.
First Bank of Nigeria customer care, legal department and all concerned desist from this uncivil behaviour. Research were the need arises, don’t further discomfort your customers who are already stressed with the predicament they find themselves.
You should be seen providing solution and not creating problems. OGA and Madam in the legal department of First Bank of Nigeria advice the customer care and all concerned according to laws in operation…
TINARIS WORLD 