Document Authentication & Legalization at Nigerian Embassies

Document legalization (also called authentication or attestation) is the process of certifying that a document is genuine so it will be accepted by authorities in another country. Nigerian embassies verify that documents issued in the host country are authentic before they can be used for legal, business, or personal purposes in Nigeria.

This is distinct from notarization (done by a public notary) and apostille (done under the Hague Convention). Nigerian embassies add their own authentication stamp after these prior steps have been completed.

Fees vary by embassy location. Below are typical ranges based on the London and Washington DC embassies:

Fees are approximate and vary by embassy. Always confirm with your specific embassy before visiting. Payment methods accepted vary (cash, card, bank transfer).

• Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation by a sworn translator
• Original documents are required — photocopies or scanned copies will not be accepted
• Prior authentication is mandatory — the embassy will only authenticate documents that have already been notarized and apostilled by the issuing country
• Bring valid ID — a Nigerian passport (current or expired) or NIN slip is required. Non-Nigerians must present their passport
• Appointment may be needed — some embassies require advance booking for consular services. Check the embassy website or call ahead
• Third-party submission — a representative may submit documents on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney and their own valid ID
• Multiple documents — each document is authenticated separately and attracts its own fee
• Keep copies — always make photocopies of all documents before submitting originals

For Nigerian educational certificates (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, university degrees) being used abroad, the authentication process may include verification with the issuing institution:

• WAEC certificates — the embassy may contact WAEC headquarters in Lagos for verification
• University degrees — the embassy may require a verification letter from the university registrar
• Professional certificates — certificates from bodies like ICAN, NIM, COREN, or MDCN may need verification from the issuing body

This verification step can add 1-2 weeks to the standard processing time. To speed things up, obtain a verification letter from the issuing institution before submitting to the embassy.