A Power of Attorney authorises someone to perform specified acts on your behalf. It does not, by itself, prove your ownership of a Nigerian property. For a purchase from abroad, your lawyer should address the authority document and the property transaction together, including the transfer and any required perfection steps.
Before signing, be clear about the job: who will act, which property is involved, what they may do, how money will be handled and when their authority ends. A broad template can leave those important decisions unanswered.
Start with a written brief for your lawyer
Identify the proposed buyer, representative, seller and property. Explain whether the representative will only collect documents, arrange checks, sign a particular instrument, manage funds or undertake other acts. Ask the lawyer which powers are necessary and which should be excluded.
Discuss limits on delegation, conflicts of interest, reporting, spending and access to original documents. These are instructions to develop with your adviser, not ready-to-sign legal clauses.
Distinguish authority from the purchase
Ask your lawyer to explain what interest you are acquiring, who can transfer it and which instruments and approvals apply. A Power of Attorney cannot replace investigating the seller’s rights or matching the documents to the actual land.
Use the land verification guide to organise those questions. Do not assume that the document appointing your representative also completes the transfer to you.
Signing abroad: check the receiving requirements first
Tell your Nigerian lawyer where you will sign and which Nigerian authority or organisation will receive the document. Confirm the required wording, witnessing, notarisation, authentication, legalisation, originals and any subsequent Nigerian steps before paying for them.
As checked on 21 September 2026, Nigeria is not listed as a contracting party on the HCCH Apostille Convention status table. Do not assume an apostille alone meets the receiving authority’s requirements for use in Nigeria.
For UK documents, GOV.UK’s legalisation guidance explains the UK service. Confirm any further Nigerian requirements with the Nigerian High Commission and your lawyer. Other countries have their own routes.
What should the quotation include?
| Item | Question |
|---|---|
| Nigerian legal advice and drafting | What review and revisions are included? |
| Execution abroad | Who must witness or notarise, and what do they charge? |
| Authentication and legalisation | Which offices are involved and what are their current charges? |
| Delivery | Are originals required and who arranges secure delivery? |
| Nigerian follow-up | What stamping, registration or other steps apply to this document? |
No verified all-in 2026 fee is supplied here. Country, document, professional scope and receiving requirements can change the total. Obtain current official charges and professional quotes separately.
Discuss expiry, revocation and incapacity
Ask the lawyer to explain when the authority starts and ends, how it can be revoked, who must be notified and what happens on death or incapacity. Do not assume that adding “irrevocable” creates the result you intend; the legal effect depends on the applicable law and circumstances.
Keep a signed copy and a record of where originals or certified copies have been sent. Ask how a change or termination will be communicated to parties who may rely on the document.
A review checklist before signing
- Names and property details match the intended transaction.
- The permitted actions are understood and have been discussed with your lawyer.
- Limits, reporting duties and handling of money are clear.
- The execution and receiving requirements have been confirmed.
- You understand the duration and consequences of ending the authority.
- The purchase documents and title investigation remain separately accounted for.
Do not sign a blank document or leave important details to be inserted without an agreed process. Keep your identity papers and signature out of public discussion threads.
Common questions
Must my representative be a lawyer?
Ask your lawyer who may act and what role is appropriate. The person carrying authority and the professional advising on the transaction may have different jobs. Appointment should reflect competence, accountability and the actual scope.
Does notarisation prove the land is genuine?
No. Document execution and property verification are different questions. Have the seller’s rights and the land investigated independently.
Can I reuse an old Power of Attorney?
Have it reviewed for this transaction. Check its continuing effect, scope, property description and the receiving authority’s requirements before relying on it.
Organise the purchase alongside the appointment: use our remote verification workflow to track who checks each part and what evidence you receive.
Reviewed 21 September 2026. General information for discussing a document with a qualified Nigerian lawyer. The previous unsupported fee range and blanket apostille advice have been removed.
