Why Newspaper Publications, Affidavits May No Longer Legalise Name Changes in Nigeria

The long-standing practice of using newspaper publications and sworn affidavits as the primary legal proof of a change of name in Nigeria may soon become insufficient following ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening identity management. Legal experts and identity management authorities say the country is moving towards a more centralised system that places greater emphasis on the National Identity Number (NIN) and official government records as the basis for recognising changes of identity.

The proposed shift is intended to eliminate identity fraud, reduce inconsistencies across government databases and ensure that all personal information is verified through a single national identity system. Under the emerging framework, a newspaper publication and affidavit may no longer, on their own, compel government agencies or financial institutions to recognise a name change unless the new identity is first reflected in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

Experts note that affidavits and newspaper publications have traditionally served as public declarations of a person's intention to adopt a new name. However, they argue that these documents merely announce the change and do not independently establish a legally verified identity, particularly in an era of digital identity management. They maintain that a harmonised database is necessary to prevent multiple identities and strengthen national security.

The development is expected to affect processes such as passport applications, bank account updates, tax records and other official documentation. Individuals seeking to change their names may increasingly be required to update their NIN records before other agencies process corresponding changes, ensuring uniformity across government institutions.

Stakeholders have welcomed efforts to modernise Nigeria's identity management system but urged authorities to provide clear public guidelines on the new requirements. They also called for a seamless and affordable process to enable citizens update their records without unnecessary delays or administrative bottlenecks.