How to Legally Change Your Name in Nigeria

Names are not just identifiers but hold significant personal, cultural, and familial values. At various stages in life, the desire or need to change one’s name legally might arise due to multiple reasons like marriage, divorce, or personal choice. 

Changing your name legally in Nigeria is a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. Following the steps outlined below and ensuring you meet all legal requirements, you can seamlessly transition to your new name. Remember, this legal change not only reflects your new identity but also ensures that all aspects of your legal and social life are congruent with your new name. 

If you want to legally change your name in Nigeria, this guide outlines the steps and requirements to ensure your new name is recognized legally.

Understanding the need for a legal name change

Many life events can prompt a desire to change your name. Whether it’s the joy of marriage, the conclusion of a divorce, adopting a child, or even changing your name to better align with your gender identity, the reasons are as diverse as the people themselves. 

Others might find it necessary due to professional demands or simply wishing to rectify errors in official documents. Whatever your reason, understanding how to navigate the legal process in Nigeria is crucial.

Eligibility criteria for changing your name

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand who is eligible to change their name legally:

• Age: Only individuals aged 18 and above can initiate a name change legally as they are considered adults.
• Citizenship: The process described here applies to Nigerian citizens. Foreign nationals need to comply with their own or Nigerian naturalization laws depending on their residency status.
• Valid Reasons: Your reason for a name change should be legitimate and legally acceptable. Reasons linked to evasion of legal issues or intentions to defraud will lead to a rejection of your name change application.

Step-by-step process to change your name legally

Changing your name legally in Nigeria involves a series of steps that ensure the change is officially recognized across all legal documents.

Step 1: Swear an Affidavit

The first official step is to swear an affidavit at any High Court near you. This affidavit, often referred to as a “Deed Poll,” officially declares your intention to change your name and states your old and new names clearly. This document is crucial as it forms the basis of your legal name change.

Step 2: Publicize Your New Name

To make your name change known, you need to publish an announcement in a national newspaper. This serves as a public record of your intent to change your name and ensures transparency.

Step 3: Publish Your New Name

Following the publication, you must apply to have your new name listed in the Nigerian publication. This official record finalizes the legality of your name change. There’s a fee associated with this publication, and you’ll need to attach a copy of the Gazette notice when updating your official documents.

Step 4: Update Your Official Documents

Once your new name is gazetted, you must begin the process of updating all legal documents. This includes your passport, driver’s license, bank accounts, and any other records that bear your name. It’s essential to carry copies of your affidavit, the newspaper publication, and the Gazette record as proof of your name change.

Cost and Duration

The cost primarily involves the newspaper publication, which may cost around N5,000 to N10,000. The timeline for the name change process can vary, generally taking anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on various factors including legal formalities and personal diligence in following through with the procedures.