The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced an online affidavit platform that allows applicants to initiate and process affidavits electronically, reducing the need for physical visits to the court.
The development was announced by the Federal High Court on its official website as part of efforts to expand digital access to judicial services and simplify the affidavit process for the public, legal practitioners and government agencies.
The platform, known as the E-Affidavit Client Portal, provides a web-based system through which users can submit affidavits online, make required payments and track their applications from submission to completion.
How the online affidavit process works
The process begins with the applicant creating an account on the Federal High Court’s designated e-Affidavit platform and providing the required personal information.
After registration, the applicant proceeds to prepare the affidavit. Depending on the application, users may fill an available template on the platform or upload an already prepared affidavit document.
The next stage involves completing the application and uploading the required documents. Applicants are expected to carefully review the information supplied before submitting the application for processing.
The applicant then proceeds to make the required payment online through the approved payment channel provided on the platform.
Following payment, the application is submitted electronically for review by the relevant court officials. Where corrections or additional information are required, the applicant may be contacted or the application may be returned for necessary adjustments.
The next stage is verification and oath-taking. The Federal High Court’s FAQ states that an application may be verified and an appointment scheduled. Depending on the relevant division and circumstances, the oath-taking process may be conducted virtually or physically.
After the required process has been completed, the affidavit proceeds to digital certification and notarisation. The Court’s e-Affidavit system provides for electronic signatures and stamps as part of the digital process.
The completed affidavit can then be accessed electronically, while the Court’s system also provides a means of verifying the authenticity of the document, including through a QR code where applicable.
According to the Court, applicants can either fill available templates or upload pre-drafted affidavit documents through the portal before making payment and submitting their applications for review.
The system also provides for digital notarisation, including court-endorsed electronic signatures and stamps, while completed affidavits can be accessed through the platform.
The Federal High Court said the digital process is designed to reduce processing time, improve accessibility and minimise geographical barriers for Nigerians who require affidavit services.
The Court also identified transparency and reduced human interference as among the benefits of the system, while noting that the platform provides a centralised means of managing sworn affidavit documents.
The e-Affidavit service forms part of the Court’s wider digital transformation programme. Its redesigned website also provides an integrated link to the e-Affidavit portal alongside other online judicial services.
The Federal High Court’s e-Affidavit and Electronic Case Management System portal is powered and maintained by Century Information Systems Limited, according to the platform’s terms and conditions.