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There are several reasons one may want to change his/her name. Some do so to become more fashionable, others, perhaps, by reason of marriage or divorce, some for professional reasons, and still some for reason of adoption, etc. As long as the reason for the desire to change one’s name is not illegal, one can change his name using the procedure outlined below.

Eligibility

For any individual to legally change his/her name in Nigeria, such a person must have the following qualifications,

• The person must be above 18 years of age.
• Minors cannot legally change their name, unless the parent or guardian of the minor applies for the name change.
• The person must not be bankrupt or having financial liability or a criminal liability being taken against them.
• The applicant must be Nigerian citizen

Procedure

• First you need to swear to an Affidavit of Change of Name (Deed Pool) At the Registry of the High Court closest to you. The affidavit should say that you have changed from your old name and wish to be known by your new name, and you show your affidavit anywhere you want to present any documentation in your old name. The affidavit is a statutory declaration recording your intention to abandon your old name and adopt a new one.

• You then need to announce publicly that you have made the name change. This can be done by publishing your new name in at least one recognised national daily newspaper. I would recommend The Guardian or Punch newspapers. You should ensure that the new name reflects in your vital documents.

• You should then get your name printed in Nigeria’s official gazette. This is done by sending an application to the documentation Department of Publication, Civil registry, requesting them to publish the above advertisement for change of your name. You should attach the following documents when submitting the request for your names to be published. 

1. The signed affidavit (should be less than one year old)
2. The newspaper cutting advertising your change of name(should be less than one year old)
3. The declaration/advertisement you typed (in the form above) that is to be printed in the Official Gazette
4. Two passport size photographs (in case you are not going in person to submit the documents, you should have the photographs attested)
5. Demand draft for the fees for publishing, and extra copies if required
6. A letter from a responsible person
7. A public announcement
8. A statutory declaration (Affidavit)
9. In case of a minor the name change form has to be filled up by the parents.

• The final step is applying for new government documents reflecting your new acquired name.

1. This can only be done once the new name is published in the Official Nigerian gazette.
2. A copy of the Official gazette has to be attached to the application documents for the new documents.