Change of Name in Nigeria: How To Do It & Cost (2024)

In Nigeria, every individual has the right to legally change their name. However, there are certain exceptions to this right. To legally change your name in Nigeria, you must be an adult, as children are not allowed to change their name unless the parent or guardian does it on their behalf.

Additionally, changing your name to escape a financial or criminal liability is not permitted. It is also prohibited to change your name with the intention to mislead or commit a crime. Certain classes of names, such as those that are intimidating, offensive, or considered obscene or tribalist/racist, are not allowed.

The most common reason for changing names in Nigeria is due to marital reasons, either when a woman decides to take her husband’s name after marriage or when a couple gets divorced and someone wants to revert to their name before marriage.

In the context of Nigeria, changing one’s name is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is a legal process with specific requirements and procedures. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of name change in Nigeria, providing a step-by-step roadmap to successfully navigate this transformative process.

WHEN CAN’T YOU LEGALLY CHANGE YOUR NAME?

To legally change your name in Nigeria, certain exceptions and limitations apply. Here are the instances where changing your name is not allowed:

1. You must be an adult to change your name. Children cannot change their name unless their parent or guardian does it on their behalf.
2. Changing your name to escape a debt, financial liability, or criminal liability is not permitted.
3. Changing your name with the intention to mislead or commit a crime is prohibited.
4. Names that are intimidating, offensive, obscene, or tribalist/racist are not allowed.

These restrictions ensure that name changes are carried out for legitimate reasons and do not violate any legal or ethical standards.

PROCESS FOR CHANGING YOUR NAME IN NIGERIA

The process of legally changing your name in Nigeria involves two steps: swearing an affidavit and publishing a notice of change of name in a national newspaper. These steps are essential to ensure that your name change is recognized by the government and other institutions.

STEP 1: SWEARING AN AFFIDAVIT

The first step in the process is to swear an affidavit in court stating your intention to change your name. An affidavit is a sworn statement made under oath or affirmation before an authorized magistrate or officer of the court. You can visit a nearby High Court and go to the Registry department to complete this step. It is important to write the affidavit in your own words and include the reason for the name change.

STEP 2: PUBLISHING THE CHANGE OF NAME NOTICE

After completing the affidavit, the next step is to publish a notice of change of name in a national newspaper. This is done to inform the general public that you have officially changed your name. You can choose any national newspaper such as The Nation, Guardian, or Punch to publish the notice. It is crucial to ensure that your important documents match your new name after the publication.

To prove your identity with the government or financial institutions, you will need to provide legal court documents such as the change of name affidavits and/or marriage certificate if applicable. It is also important to inform relevant individuals and institutions about your name change, including employers, schools, creditors, debtors, and government agencies.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE CHANGE THEIR NAME

There are various reasons why individuals choose to change their name in Nigeria. One of the most common reasons is due to marital status changes. When a woman gets married, she may decide to take her husband’s last name, while others may choose to revert to their pre-marriage name after a divorce. These marital changes often prompt individuals to seek a legal name change.

Another reason for changing one’s name is related to adoption. In cases where a child is adopted, their name may be changed to reflect their new family identity. This allows the child to fully integrate into their new family and create a sense of belonging.

In addition, some people change their name for professional or career-related reasons. This could involve adopting a name that is easier to pronounce or more memorable, especially for those working in the entertainment industry or pursuing a career in the arts.

OTHER REASONS FOR CHANGING NAMES IN NIGERIA INCLUDE:

• Change in nationality: Individuals who acquire a new nationality may choose to change their name to reflect their new citizenship.
• Change in religion: Conversion to a different religion can sometimes lead to a name change as individuals adopt a name that is significant within their new faith.
• Gender transition: Some individuals may undergo a gender transition and choose to change their name to align with their gender identity. This reason isn’t permissible in Nigeria.
• Individual choice: Ultimately, some people simply prefer a different name for personal reasons, such as disliking their birth name or wanting a fresh start.

Whatever the reason may be, it is important to go through the legal process to ensure the name change is recognized and official. This involves completing the necessary paperwork and notifying relevant institutions and individuals about the change.

ELIGIBILITY FOR CHANGING YOUR NAME

Before you proceed with changing your name in Nigeria, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a name change, you must meet certain requirements set by the Nigerian legal system.

Firstly, you need to be an adult, which means being 18 years old or older. If you are a minor, you will require a parent or trusted guardian to initiate the name change on your behalf.

Furthermore, only Nigerian citizens can change their names within the country. If you are a foreigner, you will need to acquire Nigerian citizenship before you can apply for a name change.

Additionally, it is essential to have a valid and compelling reason for changing your name. However, please note that changing your name to escape criminal activities or using profane or tribalistic names is strictly prohibited.

Ensure that you have no outstanding financial liabilities or debts before proceeding with the name change process. This requirement emphasizes the importance of financial stability in the name change process.

Swearing an Affidavit

The first step in the process of changing your name in Nigeria is to swear an affidavit. An affidavit is a legal document in which a person makes a sworn statement under oath or affirmation. This can be done by visiting a nearby High Court and going to the Registry department to complete the task. The affidavit should be written in your own words and state your intention to change your name. It should also include the reason for the name change, as it will be used to document your old name.

Swearing an Affidavit – Step by Step:

1. Visit a nearby High Court
2. Go to the Registry department
3. Write the affidavit in your own words
4. State your intention to change your name
5. Include the reason for the name change

By following these steps, you can successfully swear an affidavit in court as part of the name change process.

Publishing the Change of Name Notice

After swearing an affidavit, the next step in the process of legally changing your name in Nigeria is to publish a notice of change of name in a national newspaper. This step is important as it serves to inform the general public that you have officially changed your name.

You can choose any national newspaper in Nigeria, such as The Nation, Guardian, or Punch, to publish the notice. It is advisable to check with the newspaper beforehand to confirm their specific requirements and fees for publishing change of name notices.

Once the notice of change of name is published, it is important to ensure that all your important documents, such as your international passport, national identification, financial or banking names, and certifications, match your new name. This will help avoid any discrepancies and ensure that your identity is aligned with your new name.

Summary:

1. After swearing an affidavit, the next step is to publish a notice of change of name in a national newspaper.
2. Choose any national newspaper such as The Nation, Guardian, or Punch to publish the notice.
3. Ensure that all important documents are updated to reflect your new name.

LIST YOUR NEW NAME IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

After the notice of change of name has been published in a national newspaper, the next step in the process of changing your name in Nigeria is to have your new name listed in the official gazette. The official gazette is a government publication where legal notices and announcements are published for public record. Listing your new name in the gazette provides official recognition of your name change.

To list your new name in the official gazette, you will need to apply to the Civil Registry’s Paperwork Department of Publication. This department will require a fee for the listing, usually around ₦‎5000 or more. Once your application is processed and approved, your new name will be published in the gazette. It is important to obtain a copy of the page indicating your altered name in the gazette once it appears.

Summary:

1. Apply to the Civil Registry’s Paperwork Department of Publication to list your new name in the official gazette.
2. Pay the required fee, usually around ₦‎5000 or more.
3. Obtain a copy of the page in the gazette that shows your new name.

Listing your new name in the official gazette is an important step in the name change process, as it provides official recognition and documentation of your new name.

APPLYING FOR NEW OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Once your new name has been published in the official gazette, the next step is to apply for new official documents that reflect your name change. It’s important to update these documents to ensure that your new name is recognized by various institutions and government agencies. Here are the key documents you should consider updating:

INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT

• Contact the Nigerian Immigration Service to inquire about the process for updating your passport with your new name.
• Submit a copy of the page from the official gazette that shows your name change along with your passport application.

NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION

• Visit the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office to apply for a new national identification card.
• Provide a copy of the official gazette page as proof of your name change.

FINANCIAL OR BANKING NAMES

• Contact your bank or financial institution to update your name on your accounts, debit/credit cards, and other financial documents.
• Submit the necessary documentation, such as the official gazette page, to support your name change request.

CERTIFICATIONS

• If you hold any professional certifications or licenses, reach out to the relevant certification boards or licensing bodies to update your name.
• Provide the official gazette page as evidence of your name change.

Remember to keep copies of all the documents you submit during the name change process for your records. It’s also a good idea to inform other individuals and institutions, such as your employer, schools, and insurance providers, about your new name.

WHERE TO CHANGE YOUR NAME

To change your name in Nigeria, you have a few options in terms of location. The first option is to visit the registry department of any High Court near you. This is a convenient choice as there are multiple High Courts in various locations across the country. Alternatively, you can choose to go directly to the National Civil Registration Office, which is situated at Sokode Crescent and Michael Okpara Street in Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja. This office specializes in civil registration matters, making it an ideal place for name changes.

It is important to note that the name change process may take some time to complete. The duration can range from 5 to 21 days, depending on various factors. During this time, it is essential to follow the necessary steps and ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately. Patience and determination are key throughout the process.

If you are unsure about which location to choose or need assistance with the legal requirements, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a lawyer or legal expert. They can provide guidance and support, ensuring that the name change process goes smoothly and efficiently.

COST OF CHANGING YOUR NAME

Changing your name in Nigeria is a relatively affordable process. The only expense involved is the publication of a notice of change of name in a national newspaper, which typically costs around ₦‎5,000. This fee covers the publication itself and there are no additional charges. It is important to keep in mind that this is the only cost associated with changing your name legally in Nigeria.

However, it is worth noting that the overall process of changing your name is not a one-day affair. It requires patience and determination as you go through the necessary steps, such as swearing an affidavit and updating your official documents. It is advisable to carefully consider the potential changes you may need to make, such as updating your international passport, national identification, financial or banking names, and certifications. These changes may have additional costs depending on the specific documents you need to update.

Despite the time and effort involved, changing your name is an important step to ensure your identity is legally recognized by the government and other institutions. It is recommended to plan ahead, budget for the publication fee, and be prepared to make any additional updates to official documents.

CONCLUSION

Changing your name in Nigeria is a straightforward process that requires following a few key steps. Firstly, you need to swear an affidavit in court, stating your intention to change your name. This is followed by publishing a notice of change of name in a national newspaper to inform the public of your new identity. Additionally, listing your new name in Nigeria’s official gazette is necessary. Finally, you must apply for new official documents that reflect your name change.

It is important to remember that there are certain requirements and limitations when it comes to changing your name. You must be an adult, have a valid reason for the name change, and ensure financial stability. It is also necessary to inform relevant individuals and institutions about your new name. While the process may take some time and effort, it is crucial to ensure that your identity is legally recognized with the government and other institutions.

By following these steps and fulfilling the necessary requirements, you can successfully change your name in Nigeria. Whether it is for marital reasons, personal preference, or other valid motives, the process allows individuals to embrace a new identity and move forward with confidence.