An Affidavit of Confirmation of Name (also known as a Statutory Declaration of Name Confirmation) is a crucial legal document in Nigeria used to officially confirm and declare that two different names (or variations of a name) belong to one and the same person.
This document is vital when there are discrepancies in names across different official records or when an individual wishes to formally state their true and correct name after having used another.
It serves as legal proof, particularly when other primary documents may contain errors or variations.
When is it required?
- Correction of Errors: To rectify mistakes in official documents like birth certificates, academic certificates (WAEC, NECO, university degrees), or professional licenses where a name was misspelled or incorrectly recorded.
- Passport Applications: The Nigerian Immigration Service often requires this affidavit if there's a difference between names on a birth certificate, national ID, or previous passport.
- Banking Transactions: For updating bank records, opening new accounts, or resolving issues where names on IDs differ from bank account names.
- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC): To harmonize name discrepancies for National Identification Number (NIN) registration or modifications.
- Educational Institutions: For school admissions, issuance of certificates, or record updates where names on credentials do not match other identification.
- Employment: To ensure consistency of names across employment records, pension schemes, and other official work documents.
- Legal & Administrative Procedures: Any instance where a consistent and confirmed name is required for legal or administrative purposes.
Legal Standing:
This affidavit is prepared in accordance with the Statutory Declarations Act of 1960 (and relevant state laws).
It is a statement made under oath, meaning the person making the declaration (the deponent) is legally bound to the truth of the statements.
Providing false information in an affidavit is a criminal offense punishable under the Penal or Criminal Codes of Nigeria.
Procedure:
Once generated, this document must be taken to a High Court of Justice or a Magistrate Court within the relevant Judicial Division (e.
g.
, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt).
The deponent must sign it in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths, who will then stamp and seal the document for it to gain legal validity.
It is advisable to attach photocopies of all relevant documents (e.
g.
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