The Chief Judge of Lagos State has mandated that, effective June 1, 2025, all General Affidavits covering purposes such as change of name, loss of SIM cards, declaration of age and other non-litigation matters must be processed exclusively through the Lagos Court Management Information System (LagosCoMiS) online platform.
This directive marks a significant step in Lagos State’s ongoing judicial reforms, leveraging technology to enhance access to justice, streamline administrative processes, and curb affidavit forgery. Below is a detailed exploration of this transformative development, its implications, and what it means for Lagos residents.
What is the LagosCoMiS Platform?
The LagosCoMiS platform, accessible at http://lagoscomis.lagosjudiciary.gov.ng, is a cutting-edge digital tool designed to revolutionize court-related services in Lagos State.
Launched as part of the Lagos State Judiciary’s broader digital transformation agenda, the platform aims to simplify and standardize processes that once relied on cumbersome, paper-based systems. From e-filing for court cases to e-probate services for estate management, LagosCoMiS is positioning Lagos as a pioneer in judicial innovation across Nigeria.
The introduction of the e-affidavit system is a cornerstone of this initiative. General Affidavits, which are sworn statements used for various administrative and legal purposes, must now be processed exclusively through this platform for all non-litigation matters.
This includes affidavits for routine needs like correcting names on official documents, replacing lost SIM cards, or verifying age for official records. Notably, affidavits tied to ongoing High Court proceedings are exempt from this requirement and will continue to follow existing court protocols.
Why the Shift to Online Processing?
The decision to mandate the use of LagosCoMiS for General Affidavits addresses several critical issues, with affidavit forgery being a primary concern.
In recent years, fraudulent affidavits have undermined the integrity of legal and administrative processes, creating challenges for individuals, businesses, and government institutions. By centralizing affidavit processing through a secure, verifiable online system, the Lagos State Judiciary aims to eliminate opportunities for fraud, ensuring that all affidavits are authentic, traceable, and issued under strict oversight.
Beyond fraud prevention, the shift aligns with global trends toward digital governance. Manual affidavit processing often involves long queues, bureaucratic delays, and inconsistent standards across courts.
The LagosCoMiS platform tackles these inefficiencies by offering a user-friendly, efficient, and transparent alternative. Applicants can now complete the entire process—submission, payment, and issuance—online, saving time and reducing the need for physical visits to court premises.
How Does the E-Affidavit System Work?
Navigating the LagosCoMiS platform is designed to be straightforward for Lagos residents. The judiciary has provided comprehensive guidelines on the platform’s website to ensure a seamless experience. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
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Access the Platform: Visit http://lagoscomis.lagosjudiciary.gov.ng and create an account or log in if you’re a returning user.
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Select Affidavit Type: Choose the specific type of General Affidavit required, such as for a change of name, loss of SIM, or declaration of age.
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Fill in Details: Complete the online form with accurate information, ensuring all required fields are correctly filled to avoid delays.
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Upload Supporting Documents: Depending on the affidavit type, you may need to upload documents like identification, previous records, or other relevant materials.
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Make Payment: The platform supports secure online payments for processing fees, which are standardized to ensure transparency.
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Review and Issuance: Once submitted, the affidavit undergoes verification by court officials. Upon approval, the affidavit is issued digitally and can be downloaded or printed for use.
The platform’s interface is intuitive, with clear instructions to guide users, including those with limited technological experience. For additional support, the LagosCoMiS website includes a help section and contact options for technical assistance.
Benefits of the LagosCoMiS E-Affidavit System
The transition to digital affidavit processing brings numerous advantages for both Lagosians and the judiciary:
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Enhanced Efficiency: By eliminating physical queues and manual paperwork, the platform significantly reduces processing times. Tasks that once took days can now be completed in hours, depending on the complexity of the request.
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Fraud Prevention: The centralized, digital system ensures that all affidavits are issued through verified channels, making it nearly impossible for fraudulent documents to circulate undetected.
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Accessibility: Residents can access the platform from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges to obtain affidavits.
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Transparency: Standardized fees and processes reduce the risk of extortion or unofficial charges, a common issue in manual systems.
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Environmental Impact: By reducing reliance on paper-based processes, the initiative supports eco-friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Part of a Broader Digital Transformation
The e-affidavit mandate is just one element of Lagos State’s ambitious judicial reforms. The LagosCoMiS platform also supports e-filing for court cases, allowing lawyers and litigants to submit documents electronically, and e-probate services for managing wills and estates.
These innovations reflect the judiciary’s vision to create a more accessible, efficient, and accountable system.
Lagos State’s embrace of digital tools positions it as a hub for technological innovation in Nigeria. By setting a precedent for judicial modernization, the state could inspire similar reforms across the country, potentially transforming Nigeria’s judicial landscape.
The success of LagosCoMiS may serve as a model for other states looking to streamline their court processes and enhance public trust in the judiciary.
What This Means for Lagos Residents
For the average Lagosian, this change simplifies what was once a time-consuming and often frustrating process. Whether you’re a young professional correcting a name discrepancy on academic certificates, a parent declaring a child’s age for school enrollment, or someone replacing a lost SIM card, the LagosCoMiS platform offers a faster, more reliable solution.
However, the transition may pose challenges for those unfamiliar with online systems. To address this, the judiciary is encouraged to conduct public awareness campaigns and provide support for first-time users.
It’s important to note that the directive does not apply to affidavits related to active High Court cases, which will continue to be processed through existing court channels. This distinction ensures that ongoing litigation remains unaffected while non-litigation affidavits benefit from the new digital framework.
Looking Ahead
The success of the LagosCoMiS e-affidavit system will hinge on its implementation and public adoption. The judiciary’s proactive approach in providing guidelines and maintaining an accessible platform is a promising start.
However, stakeholders—including legal practitioners, community leaders, and tech advocates—will play a critical role in ensuring the system reaches its full potential.
As the June 1, 2025, deadline takes effect, Lagos residents are encouraged to visit http://lagoscomis.lagosjudiciary.gov.ng to familiarize themselves with the platform and explore its features.
The days of queuing at courthouses for affidavits are officially over, marking a new era of convenience, transparency, and accountability in Lagos State’s judicial system.
Have questions about the LagosCoMiS platform or need assistance with the e-affidavit process? Share your thoughts in the comments below or visit the official website for more details.
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