The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced an electronic platform that enables citizens to obtain affidavits online without visiting any court premises. The Electronic Court Management System (ECMS) e-Affidavit Portal is a fully digital platform that allows applicants to register, complete forms, upload documents, make payments, and download verified affidavits from anywhere with an internet connection. This initiative aims to provide a secure and efficient process for affidavit applications and related court services. The portal operates under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
The e-Affidavit Portal offers a range of affidavit services, including name changes, correction of dates of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage, banking, and other purposes. Applicants can access the portal and select the type of affidavit they need. The portal provides a list of available affidavit services, categorized into sections such as name change, date of birth, loss and incidents, identity and personal matters, marriage, banking, and general purpose. This categorization makes it easier for applicants to find the relevant affidavit service.
To apply for an affidavit online, applicants are required to create an account on the Federal High Court's Electronic Court Management System portal. During registration, users must provide their full name, phone number, date of birth, email address, and a password. The name entered should be the name that the applicant wants to appear on the affidavit. After registration, the applicant should log in to the portal and select the affidavit module. The portal also requires applicants to complete their affidavit profile, which includes providing information such as native town, residential address, occupation, and National Identification Number (NIN).
After completing the profile, applicants can choose the type of affidavit they need and fill out the application form. The form may require the applicant to provide personal details, the purpose of the affidavit, and information specific to the application. For example, an application for correction of date of birth requires the applicant to state the reason for the correction, the wrong date of birth, and the correct date of birth. Applicants must also upload required documents, including a recent passport photograph, a valid means of identification, and a signature.
The portal requires applicants to preview their application before submitting it. The preview displays the information supplied, including the applicant's name, identification details, affidavit information, contact details, and selected court. Applicants should carefully check the information at this stage before submitting the application, as payments are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable. After checking the information, the applicant must agree to the portal's terms and conditions and consent to the processing of personal data.
Once the application is submitted, applicants are directed to make payment electronically through options such as Paystack and Remita. The application fee may vary depending on the service or change over time. After payment and processing, the completed affidavit can be downloaded through the portal, and a copy is also sent to the applicant's email address. The Federal High Court says affidavits issued through the portal are protected with unique barcodes and reference numbers that can be used for verification.
The portal also provides guidelines for applicants, including the requirement to respond to queries within 72 hours. Failure to make the required payment or respond to a query within the stipulated period can result in automatic deletion of the application without a refund or further notice. Applicants are warned that falsifying, altering, or misusing an affidavit constitutes a criminal offence and may attract legal consequences.
Key points
- The Federal High Court's e-Affidavit Portal provides a secure and efficient process for affidavit applications and related court services.
- Applicants can access a range of affidavit services, including name changes, correction of dates of birth, and loss of documents.
- The portal operates under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, ensuring the protection of applicants' personal data.
