Changing your name in Nigeria can be necessitated by various reasons such as marriage, religious conversion, personal preferences, or correction of errors in existing records. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, understanding the steps involved can make it much simpler. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to change your name legally in Nigeria, ensuring you comply with all necessary legal procedures.
Reasons for Changing Your Name in Nigeria
Before diving into the process, it is important to understand the common reasons why individuals in Nigeria may wish to change their name. These reasons include:
- Marriage: Women often change their surname to their husband’s surname after marriage.
- Divorce: Some individuals revert to their maiden name or adopt a different surname after divorce.
- Religious Reasons: A person may decide to adopt a new name to reflect their religious beliefs.
- Correction of Errors: Mistakes made during registration of birth or other official documents may necessitate a name change.
- Personal Reasons: A desire to align one’s name with their identity or to adopt a more culturally appropriate or meaningful name.
- Adoption: Children or adults who are adopted may take on the surname of their adoptive family.
Legal Framework for Name Change in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the name change process is governed by several legal frameworks, including:
- The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999): It guarantees the right to personal liberty and identity.
- The Births, Deaths, Etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act: This act mandates the proper registration of births and provides a mechanism for correcting errors.
- The Nigerian Civil Registry: Responsible for issuing birth certificates and related records.
Steps to Change Your Name in Nigeria
The process of changing your name involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
1. Make a Formal Declaration
The first step in changing your name is to make a formal declaration of your intent. This is done through an affidavit, which is a sworn statement of fact. To obtain an affidavit:
- Visit any High Court in Nigeria.
- Meet with a Commissioner of Oaths or a Notary Public.
- Provide your reasons for the name change.
- Pay the requisite fee, which varies depending on the court.
- Obtain the affidavit, which will serve as a legal declaration of your name change.
2. Publish the Name Change in a National Newspaper
After obtaining an affidavit, you need to publish your name change in at least one widely circulated national newspaper. This step serves as public notice of your intention to change your name. The process involves:
- Visiting a newspaper office with a copy of your affidavit.
- Requesting for a name change publication.
- Paying the required fee for the publication.
- Keeping a copy of the published notice for future reference.
3. Update Your Records with Relevant Authorities
Once your name change has been published, you need to update your records with various authorities and institutions. These include:
a. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC):
- Visit the nearest NIMC office.
- Present your affidavit and newspaper publication.
- Fill out the necessary forms and pay the applicable fee.
- Update your National Identity Number (NIN) record.
b. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC):
- For an updated driver’s license, visit an FRSC office.
- Submit your affidavit, newspaper publication, and old license.
- Pay the requisite fee for reissuance.
c. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC):
- If you own a business, update your name in your business registration records by visiting the CAC office.
d. Banks:
- Visit your bank with your affidavit, newspaper publication, and valid identification.
- Request to update your name on your accounts.
e. Passport:
- Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service office.
- Provide your affidavit, newspaper publication, and old passport.
- Apply for a new passport with your updated name.
4. Update Educational Records
To change your name on certificates and academic records:
- Contact the institutions where you obtained your qualifications.
- Submit a copy of your affidavit and newspaper publication.
- Follow the institution’s process for record updates.
5. Inform Your Employers and Associates
Notify your employer, professional bodies, and associates about your name change. Provide them with copies of your affidavit and newspaper publication for record updates.
Important Considerations
- Verification: Ensure that all information in your affidavit and newspaper publication is accurate to avoid complications.
- Consistency: Use your new name consistently in all official and informal documents.
- Costs: Be prepared for various costs associated with affidavits, newspaper publications, and updating official records.
- Timeline: The process may take weeks or months, depending on the complexity and number of institutions involved.
- Legal Advice: Seek legal advice if you encounter challenges or have complex requirements.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Nigeria is a straightforward process if you follow the outlined steps and meet all legal requirements. By obtaining an affidavit, publishing your name change, and updating your records with relevant authorities, you can ensure that your new name is recognized legally and officially. Always ensure that you keep copies of all documents and follow up with institutions to confirm that your name change has been successfully processed.