Changing your name is a major personal decision. In Nigeria, people often decide to change their names for various reasons. These may include marriage, divorce, religious conversion, personal preference, correcting a spelling error, or adoption. Fortunately, Nigeria’s legal system provides a clear and accessible process to formalize a name change. This article will guide you through that process, step by step.
Why Do People Change Their Names?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why name changes happen. Many individuals change their names due to life events such as marriage or divorce. Others do so to reflect a religious or cultural shift. Additionally, some people simply wish to adopt a new identity that better represents who they are.
Regardless of the motivation, following the legal route ensures your new name is recognized across all institutions.
Step 1: Swear an Affidavit for Change of Name
To begin the process, you need to swear an affidavit declaring your intention to change your name. This legal document serves as your formal declaration.
Here’s how to proceed:
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Visit a High Court (state or federal) near you.
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Request a “Change of Name Affidavit” from the court registry.
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Clearly write your current name, your desired new name, and your reason for the change.
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Finally, swear to the affidavit before a Commissioner for Oaths.
At this point, you now have a legal declaration that confirms your intention to adopt a new name.
Step 2: Publish Your Name Change in a National Newspaper
Next, you need to inform the public about your name change. This is done through a publication in a nationally recognized newspaper.
Follow these steps:
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Go to the office of a major newspaper like The Guardian, Punch, or Vanguard.
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Submit your sworn affidavit along with a typed notice that includes your old and new names and a brief explanation for the change.
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Pay the publication fee, which may vary depending on the newspaper.
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Once published, obtain and keep several copies of the newspaper as evidence.
This public notice adds credibility to your name change and helps in avoiding future disputes.
Step 3: Publish the Name Change in the Official Gazette
After announcing your name change in a newspaper, you should take the next step by publishing it in the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Many government agencies require this Gazette publication as official proof.
To do this:
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Visit the National Printing Press in Lagos or Abuja, or the appropriate Government Gazette office.
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Submit the following:
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Your sworn affidavit
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A copy of the newspaper publication
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A formal application letter requesting Gazette publication
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A valid means of identification (e.g., NIN, international passport)
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Pay the required publication fee.
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After submission, wait for your name to appear in the next Gazette issue.
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Collect the gazetted document when it’s ready.
Once published, this Gazette notice becomes the most authoritative document proving your name change.
Step 4: Update Your Personal Records
Now that your new name has been officially gazetted, you can proceed to update your personal records. Without delay, you should inform all relevant institutions to reflect your new identity.
You will need to present the following documents:
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The sworn affidavit
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The newspaper publication
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The Gazette publication
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Any additional forms requested by the institution
Here are some of the records you may need to update:
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National Identification Number (NIN)
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International passport
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Bank records
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Driver’s license
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Voter’s card
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Employment and pension documents
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Academic records (note: this may require additional steps or waivers)
Since each organization may have its own specific requirements, it is advisable to contact them beforehand.
Important Tips and Considerations
To ensure a smooth transition, keep these tips in mind:
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Maintain consistency: Use your new name uniformly across all records and documents to avoid confusion or suspicion.
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Keep copies: Make and store several certified copies of the Gazette and other legal documents for future use.
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Consult a lawyer if necessary: In complex situations, such as inheritance cases or adoption, legal advice can make the process easier.
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For minors: Parents or legal guardians must handle name changes for children, often requiring additional documentation or consent from both parents.
Conclusion
In summary, changing your name in Nigeria is a legally straightforward process if you follow the proper steps. By swearing an affidavit, publishing the change in a newspaper, gazetting the name officially, and updating your records, you ensure full recognition of your new identity. Whether you are embracing a new chapter in life, correcting an error, or expressing your true self, the law supports your right to be known by the name you choose.
