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A Certificate of Service proves that you've properly delivered legal documents to other parties in a Nigerian court case. It's a crucial record that shows exactly when and how you shared important paperwork, like court motions or hearing notices, with everyone involved in the legal proceedings.

Nigerian courts require this certificate to ensure fair legal process and prevent any party from claiming they weren't informed. It typically includes the delivery date, method (email, hand delivery, or courier), recipient details, and the server's signature. For practicing lawyers in Nigeria, filing this certificate helps protect their clients and keeps cases moving forward smoothly.

You need a Certificate of Service any time you file court documents in Nigeria's legal system. This includes when submitting motions, applications, affidavits, or written addresses to the court. The certificate proves you've properly shared these documents with all other parties involved in the case.

Filing this certificate becomes especially important during time-sensitive legal proceedings, like responding to court orders or meeting statutory deadlines. Nigerian courts may reject your filings or delay your case without this proof of service. It's particularly crucial in contentious cases where opposing parties might claim they never received important documents.

• Personal Service Certificate: Used when documents are handed directly to the recipient, requiring details about the server, recipient, and exact time of delivery
• Postal Service Certificate: Documents sent through registered mail, including tracking numbers and postal receipts
• Electronic Service Certificate: Covers email delivery, with timestamp and delivery confirmation details
• Courier Service Certificate: Used for professional delivery services, including courier company details and tracking information
• Substituted Service Certificate: Documents how alternative service methods were used when direct service wasn't possible

• Legal Practitioners: Prepare and file Certificates of Service for court documents they submit, ensuring proper delivery to all parties
• Court Registrars: Review and verify these certificates when documents are filed, maintaining proper court records
• Process Servers: Professional agents who deliver legal documents and complete service certificates confirming successful delivery
• Litigants: Must ensure proper service of their court documents through their legal representatives
• Court Bailiffs: Official court officers who serve documents and prepare certificates for court-ordered deliveries

• Document Details: List the title and type of document being served, case number, and court information
• Party Information: Gather full names and addresses of all parties receiving the documents
• Service Method: Specify how delivery was made (personal, postal, courier, or electronic)
• Timing Details: Record exact date, time, and location of service for each recipient
• Server Information: Include name, role, and contact details of person executing service
• Proof Elements: Attach relevant receipts, tracking numbers, or delivery confirmations

• Case Information: Full title of the case, suit number, and court jurisdiction details
• Document Description: Clear identification of documents being served and number of copies
• Recipient Details: Complete names and addresses of all parties served
• Service Method Declaration: Specific statement of how service was accomplished
• Time and Date: Precise timing of service execution
• Server's Declaration: Formal statement confirming proper service completion
• Authentication: Server's signature, name, and professional capacity
• Supporting Evidence: References to attached proofs of service

A Certificate of Service is often confused with a Service Agreement, but they serve fundamentally different purposes in Nigerian law. While both relate to services, their functions and applications are quite distinct.

• Purpose: A Certificate of Service proves legal document delivery in court proceedings, while a Service Agreement outlines terms and conditions between service providers and clients
• Timing of Use: Certificates of Service are filed after delivering court documents, whereas Service Agreements are signed before service delivery begins
• Legal Context: Certificates operate within litigation procedures, while Service Agreements function in commercial relationships
• Content Focus: Certificates document specific delivery details and proof, but Agreements specify obligations, payments, and performance terms
• Duration: Certificates serve as one-time proof of delivery, while Agreements govern ongoing business relationships