Introduction
The Affidavit of Loss of Birth Certificate is a sworn legal statement declaring that a previously issued birth certificate has been misplaced, stolen, destroyed (e.
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g.
, by fire or flood), or lost in transit.
It is one of the most common affidavits used in Nigeria due to the paper-based nature of older records.
Why is it needed?
Authorities such as the Passport Office (Immigration) or foreign embassies will not accept a photocopy of a birth certificate if the original is not available for sighting.
Furthermore, the National Population Commission (NPC) requires this affidavit before they can issue a replacement certificate or an attestation.
It proves that the request for a new document is genuine and not an attempt to hold multiple conflicting identities.
Content Requirements
The affidavit must explicitly state the circumstances of the loss (e.
g.
, "lost during my relocation from Lagos to Abuja").
It must also declare that despite diligent search efforts, the document could not be found.
This sworn statement protects the issuing authority; if the old certificate turns up later and is used for fraud, the deponent can be held liable for perjury based on this affidavit.