It is very easy to apply for a change of name in Nigeria if your reasons for the change of name are valid enough and your motives are legal.
Many people are duped because they do not know the right approach to follow to apply for a change of name in Nigeria.
Therefore, this article is a complete guide on how to apply for a change of name in Nigeria, it encapsulates everything you need to know, read it to the end and you would be glad you did.
Why People Apply For Change Of Name In Nigeria
There are many reasons why people apply for a change of name in Nigeria and below are some of the reasons:
1. Emotional Reasons
Some people apply for a change of name because they do not simply like the name. And some because it has a negative connotation, there is an ugly event that is linked to the name or the meaning of the name is outrageous.
2. Religious Reasons
People may change their names because of religious reasons. It may be that the person moved from one religion to another and may not want to have any bearings of the former religion.
3. Marriage
This one applies to women. Most women apply for a change of name after marriage to bear the husband’s name and it is one of the major reasons people, especially ladies, change their names.
4. Adoption
Some people apply for a change of name after they are adopted into a new family.
5. Divorce
People apply for a change of name when they are divorced and it is always common with women because men do not change their names after marriage.
Eligibility For Change Of Name In Nigeria
Before you begin the process of change of name in Nigeria, you must make sure to meet the required criteria so you don’t get stuck on the way. Below is the eligibility for a change of name in Nigeria.
1. Age
To apply for a change of name in Nigeria alone without the assistance of your parents or guardian, you must be 18 years and above.
Being 18 years shows you are mature and can take responsibility for your actions.
2. Citizenship
You can only apply for a change of name in Nigeria if you are a citizen of Nigeria. Noncitizens are not allowed to apply for a change of name in Nigeria.
3. Valid Reason
You must have a tangible reason for applying for a change of name before you proceed with the application.
If your intentions are hideous, it is advisable to quit applying because you may be prosecuted if caught.
4. A Valid New Name
To apply for a change of name in Nigeria, you must come up with a reasonable name if not your application will not be considered.
There are certain names you may not be allowed to use especially if they are linked to anything outrageous.
Requirements For Change of Name in Nigeria
Before you apply for a change of name in Nigeria, you must make sure you have the following documents so you don’t pause your application process.
1. An application letter addressed to the chief registrar of a high court.
2. Deed of change of name duly stamped at the stamp duty office
3. Affidavit of change of name
4. Photocopy of Qualifying Certificates, and original for quoting
5. Newspaper publication of change of name, it should be less than one year from the date of advert.
6. Photocopy of marriage certificate, if any
7. Passport photographs
8. Birth certificate or sworn declaration of age
9. Certificate of origin
10. Newspaper Publication
11. Attestation letter from a recognized person
12. Proof/receipt of payment
Note that men are not required to submit marriage certificates.
Procedures for change of Name in Nigeria
There are procedures you need to follow when applying for a change of name in Nigeria. If you follow the right procedures for a change of name, you will do it effortlessly.
Below are the well-researched procedures you need to follow for a successful change of name.
Step One
The first thing you need to do to apply for a change of name is to go to the registry department of any high court within your locality and get the affidavit for a change of name. This procedure is also known as Deed Pool.
Step Two
After securing the affidavit, go to any national newspaper of your choice to get it published. this is to inform the general public that you are no more known by your former name.
Step Three
After making your change of name known to the public, the next step is to apply to the Department of Production, Publication, and Documentation of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture or civil registry to have your new name documented in the official Nigerian Gazette.
You must attach the required documents when sending your application letter. Moreover, you would be required to pay a sum of five thousand naira for your name to be published in the Gazette.
What To Do After A Change of Name
When your application for a change of name is approved, you have to do the following things:
1. Correction of Name in the Bank
After changing your name successfully, it is advisable to apply for a change of name in the bank. Apply for new debit cards, business cards, and other documents that have your previous name on them.
The bank might request a Newspaper publication of change of name and also a court affidavit for the process.
Moreover, without applying for a change of name in the bank, you might not be able to have access to your account because of the inconsistency in names.
2. Change Your Name in the WorkPlace
After changing your name successfully, you need to update your name to the current name you are known at your workplace.
Your workplace may request the Newspaper publication of change of name and also a court affidavit for the change to be done.
3. Change Your Name on Your Documents
Ensure that you have your new name on all your important documents. Apply for new government documents such as driver’s license, national identity card, voter’s card, Nigerian passport, etc. that reflect your new name.
Also, inform utility companies such as the PHCN about your change of name.
However, your application for all these should be attached with a copy of the Official Gazette which captures your new name.
Offices You Can Apply For A Change of Name
Below are the offices you can apply for a change of name in Nigeria.
1. Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs
Block ‘F’ Old Secretariat, Area I, Garki, Abuja P.M.B. 0016, Garki Post Office.
2. National Population Commission of Nigeria
Address: No. 1 Masaka Close Off Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, Nigeria.
3. National Civil Registration
Address: Sokode Crescent, by Michael Okpara Street, Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja.
4. Federal Ministry of Justice
Address: New Federal Secretariat Complex, 10th Floor.
5. Federal Secretariat
Address: Wing lB (1001-1099), Block One, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja.
How To Get Newspaper Publication For Change of Name In Nigeria
Change of name advertisements are usually published in the newspaper when there is an inconsistency in the spelling of someone’s name or the person changes the name to another name.
It is mandatory to follow a legal procedure to inform the general public about your new name in the form of a newspaper announcement.
Getting a newspaper publication for a change of name in Nigeria is one of the easiest things to do. It does not require any hectic procedure.
You can get newspaper publication for change of name in Nigeria through online application because most of the national newspapers are online and you can go through the process at the comfort of your home.
If you do not want to do it online, you can go to any national newspaper publishing company and request the publication of a change of name.
These newspaper publication companies charge differently so you will pay the designated fee and get it done in a jiffy.
Moreover, the documents needed for a change of name to be published in the newspaper include a scanned copy of a complete notarized affidavit that is not more than 6 months old.
To get an affidavit from the notary, you have to provide the details of the old name and new name.
The affidavit must have the prescribed stamp duty of your state and should be affirmed and sealed by the Notary Public.
When you are applying for the publication of change of name in the newspaper, you have to:
1. Completely mention the old and new names in the ad matter.
2. Provide the affidavit number in the ad matter.
3. If the person whose name is being changed is a minor, then his/ her guardian should make the name change proclamation.
4. Include in the matter the name of the notary can also be
5. include a residential address within the ad matter, however, it’s mandatory for some publication.
Additionally, name adverts are published in The Guardian Newspaper on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Bookings made between 2 pm on Friday to noon on Tuesday are published on Wednesday.
Bookings made between 2 pm on Tuesday to noon on Friday are published on Saturday and their publication fee is three thousand five hundred and forty-nine naira (3,549.00) while that of Punch newspaper is six thousand five hundred naira (6500).
List of Newspapers For Change of Name In Nigeria
Below are some of the Newspapers in Nigeria where you can publish your change of name.
1. Punch Newspaper
This is one of the widely circulated Newspapers in Nigeria.
2. Vanguard Newspaper
This is one of the leading daily Newspapers in Nigeria.
3. Guardian Newspaper
This Newspaper is published by the Guardian newspaper press
4. PM News
This daily newspaper is published by Independent Communications Network Limited (ICNL). P.M.
5. Nigerian Tribune Newspaper
This is an English-language newspaper in Ibadan, Nigeria.
This is a daily newspaper published in Niger
6. Leadership Newspaper
This is a daily Newspaper published in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
7. Complete Sports Newspaper
This is Nigeria’s daily sports Newspaper by Complete Communications.
8. Business Day Newspaper
This is a daily business Newspaper in Nigeria, headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
9. Daily Times Newspaper
The Daily Times was initially printed as The Nigerian Daily Times in 1926. The Newspaper is presently published by Folio Communications.
10. The Tide Newspaper
This is a Port Harcourt-based newspaper published by Rivers State Newspaper Corporation.
11. Osun Defender Newspaper
This is a tabloid format newspaper in Oshogbo, Osun State of south-western Nigeria.
12. Nigerian Observer Newspaper
This is a Benin City-based English-language newspaper.
13. National Mirror Newspapers
This is a Leading newspaper printed in Lagos, Abuja, Ogbese, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri.
14. National Network Newspaper
This Newspaper is published in Port Harcourt, Nigeria by Network Printing and Publishing Company.
Other Newspapers you can also publish change of name in Nigeria include:
- Premium Times Newspaper
- Independent Newspaper
- National Accord Newspaper
- New Telegraph Newspaper
- Leadership Newspaper
- The daily Newspaper
- National Daily Newspaper
- Nigeria Communications Week
- Blueprint
- National Mirror Newspaper
- Nation Newspaper
- Peoples Daily Newspaper
- The Point Newspaper
- Champion Newspapers
- Fresh Angle Newspaper
- Desert Herald Newspaper
- Neighborhood Newspaper
- Royal Times of Nigeria
- Abuja Inquirer
- Thinkers
- Port Harcourt Microscope
- Thursday Newspaper
- Trust Newspaper
- Sun Newspaper
Also See: How To Apply For International Passport In Nigeria
That’s all on how to apply for a change of name in Nigeria, I hope it helps.