in

A Guide to Legally Changing Your Name in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Process Simplified

Names are more than just identifiers; they hold important personal, cultural, and familial values. At various periods in life, the desire or need to legally alter one’s name may occur for a variety of reasons, including marriage, divorce, or personal preference.

Changing your name officially in Nigeria is a methodical procedure that necessitates meticulous attention to detail. You can effortlessly transition to your new name by following the steps mentioned below and ensuring that all legal criteria are met. Remember that this legal change not only represents your new identity, but also assures that your entire legal and social life is consistent with your new name.

If you wish to legally change your name in Nigeria, this guide will walk you through the process and requirements to ensure your new name is legally recognized.

Many life circumstances can trigger the urge to change your name. Whether it’s the joy of marriage, the end of a divorce, adopting a kid, or even changing your name to better reflect your gender identity, the reasons are as varied as the people themselves.

Others may find it necessary due to professional obligations or simply wanting to correct inaccuracies in official documents. Whatever the cause, understanding how to navigate the Nigerian legal system is critical.

Eligibility criteria for changing your name

Before getting started, it’s vital to understand who can legally alter their name:

  • Age: Individuals above the age of 18 are considered adults and can lawfully initiate a name change.
  • Citizenship: The procedure detailed here is applicable to Nigerian citizens. Foreign nationals must comply with their own or Nigerian naturalization rules, depending on their residency status.
  • Valid Reasons: The cause for your name change should be legitimate and legally permissible. Reasons related to evasion of legal issues or intent to defraud will result in the rejection of your name change application.

Step-by-step process to change your name legally

Changing your name legally in Nigeria entails a series of actions to guarantee that the change is properly acknowledged on all legal papers.

Step 1: Swear an Affidavit

The first official step is to swear an affidavit at a High Court near you. This affidavit, also known as a “Deed Poll,” announces your intention to change your name and includes your old and new names explicitly. This document is critical since it sets the foundation for your legal name change.

Step 2: Publicize Your New Name

To make your name change public, you must publish a notice in a national newspaper. This serves as a public record of your intention to change your name, ensuring transparency.

Step 3: Publish Your New Name

After publication, ask to have your new name listed in the Nigerian publication.This formal record confirms the legality of your name change. There is a cost for this publishing, and you must include a copy of the Gazette notice when revising your official documents.

Step 4: Update Your Official Documents

Once your new name has been gazetted, you must begin changing all legal papers. This includes your passport, driver’s license, bank accounts, and any other documents including your name. It is critical to have copies of your affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette record as verification of your name change.

Cost and Duration

The expense is mostly for newspaper publication, which can range from N5,000 to N10,000. The name change process might take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on a variety of factors such as legal requirements and personal attentiveness in carrying out the procedures.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Ewa Agoyin

‘I’m Flyest Man On Earth’ – Wizkid Brags