Introduction
An Affidavit of Change of Name is a formal legal document sworn under oath in a High Court of Justice, declaring an individual's intention to abandon their previous name and adopt a new one.

This document serves as the primary legal instrument for effecting a name change in Nigeria and is recognized by all official bodies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, banks, and educational institutions.

Why is this Affidavit Necessary?
There are several reasons why an individual may need to swear this affidavit.

The most common scenario is marriage, where a spouse chooses to adopt their partner's surname.

However, it is also frequently used for religious reasons (e.

g.

, converting to a new faith and adopting a corresponding name), cultural realignment, or simply a personal preference to dissociate from a former identity.

Without this affidavit, government databases and financial records cannot be updated to reflect the new identity.

Legal Implications and Process
Once this affidavit is sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths, it becomes a public record.

To complete the process legally in Nigeria, it is often required to publish the change of name in a national newspaper to notify the general public.

This affidavit acts as the foundation for that publication.

It binds the deponent to the new name for all future transactions, legal contracts, and official identification documents, ensuring that there is a clear legal trail connecting the old identity to the new one.