How to Change Name in Nigeria

Step by step guide on how to change name in Nigeria: See the process involved, acceptable reasons and documentations needed.

What is in a name? Every child at birth is given one based on the preferences of the parents or guardian at that point. It could represent their hope and expectations for the child or they could name their child after someone they admire in either religious circles, family or in a particular field.

I was even surprised to find out that some of my single friends that are even in relationships have also drafted out names for their expected children.

Now I believe you understand the importance of names. However, regardless of how everyone goes all out to name their children, some of them have to change their names or surnames in future.
A name change refers to the process of adopting a different name from that which was originally given at birth. A pseudonym, on the other hand is informal and can be regarded as a name adopted to conceal a person’s identity. It does not always require legal sanction.
The following are the reasons for changing one’s name legally:

1. Marriage: This is the major reason that many people decide to change their names. However, the woman is the one who has to change her surname to that of her husband.

She does not change her original birth name and sometimes might not change her name, especially when she has reached an agreement with her husband.

Recently, women have begun to add their husband’s name to their maiden name. The two names are hyphenated thereby allowing the lady to keep her maiden name. It is also necessary to reach an understanding with your husband before deciding to do this in order to avoid any controversy.

2. Divorce: females are also affected by this event in terms of name change. Just like marriage prompts the female to change her name, divorce also does the same. She might decide to revert to the use of her maiden name, however, it is all a matter of choice and therefore, she is not required to change her name.

3. Adoption: after the process of adopting a child is complete, you might decide to change both the birth name and surname of the child to your preferred choice. Or you might decide to leave the birth name and change only the surname.

4. Personal reasons: one might also decide to change his or her name for several reasons. It might be just the surname or both the birth name and surname. Some might decide to change it because of the meaning or the perceived negative effects it is having on their lives.
Now that the major reasons for getting a name change has been established,  the process it takes to do this would be analysed.

This process varies from country to country. In the United States, for example, name change varies from state to state and is not regulated by a national process.

The applicant just has to present a reasonable case for the decision to change his or her name. In the United Kingdom, the most commonly used method of indicating a name change is changing one’s surname after marriage. The second most used method is deed poll.

South Africa, on the other hand, mostly uses common- law procedures when it comes to name change.
The most popular reason in Nigeria for change of name is marriage. Therefore, this article will focus on name change for marriage purposes in Nigeria.
The first step one has to take is to make sure to order extra certified copies because of some agencies which require originals of the documents before making name changes.
If you are a man that wants to change his name, which is highly unlikely, check for an indication of a name change column on the certificate. If it is not there, then you will require court papers as well as other specified documents in order to change your name legally after marriage.

This does not apply for women because the marriage certificate already bears the new name regardless of the availability of the space for name change.
Secondly, you have to request for a new National identity Card which will show your name change.
After doing that, the next step to take is to make a visit to the Federal Road Safety Commission to request for a new driver’s license.

However, make sure to request for adequate information on the documents to take along before going to make the request. E.g Documents which will verify your name change.
Fourthly, proceed and get a passport amendment/validation application. After filling it, send it along with your fees as applicable, recent passport or passports as well as a certified documentation of your name change e.g a certified marriage certificate copy or court papers, to the closest passport agency to you.
The next step is to order for replacements for cheques, business cards, debit cards as well as other documents which bear your old names.
Contact people that you have had correspondence with in the past including old employers, schools, etc to inform them of the name change and to request for them to subsequently alter it in their records.

Inform your presently employer too (if working in a corporate organisation) for them to make the change accordingly.
Also, change your names on your car registration as well as with your insurance or mortgage companies. Inform the post office, PHCN, water corporation and other utility companies, your local government office as well as registrar of voters.
Finally, after doing all this, do not neglect the place of family and friends and make the announcement to them in any unique way you can envision.
The process for changing your name for other reasons follow the same pattern with the exemption of the marriage certificate and should not be much of a problem. Just make sure to get adequate information from your lawyer and relevant authorities after making the decision.
There you have it, the process of changing your name broken down in the best way possible. From now on, it is not expected to be a source of concern to you. Thank me later.

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