How to change your name on your Nigerian passport

If you hold a Nigerian passport and have recently changed your name due to reasons like marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, you need to update your passport to reflect the new name.

Without this update, travelling will be difficult, as immigration officials will stop you repeatedly, questioning the discrepancy between your passport and other documents.

This constant need to explain yourself to officials or law enforcement will be exhausting.

Recently, a friend of mine updated her passport with her new name after she got married, and, to her surprise, the process was quick and straightforward.

Can I change my name on my Nigerian passport?

If you want to, you can change your name on your Nigerian passport.

To do so, you’ll get legal documents to support the change of name, like a marriage certificate if the change is due to marriage or a court affidavit, and then publish the change of name in a newspaper.

Read also: I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.

Next, you’ll submit the required documents, plus the change of name form to the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Upon NIS approval, your name will be changed and your passport updated.

Documents required for change of name on Nigerian passport

To successfully change your name on a Nigerian passport, you’ll need:

For name change due to Marriage – if you’re changing name due to marriage:

• Application form for a change of name on your passport – you’ll get this from any immigration office near you.
• Letter of application for a change of name addressed to The Consular General.
• Affidavit.
• Proof of newspaper publication announcing your name change.
• Two passport photographs.
• A photocopy of your husband’s passport data page.
• A ₦30,000 administrative fee, this fee can increase at any time and is non-refundable according to the Nigerian Immigration Service’s website.
• ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport with a 5-year validity or ₦100,000 for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity.
• Your old passport – it’ll be returned to you after processing the new one.

Read also: How to book an appointment for a Nigerian Passport in the UK

For name change due to divorce:

• Divorce decree
• Affidavit.
• Letter of application for a change of name
• Evidence of newspaper publication
• Your current passport
• Completed passport application form.

For personal/religious name changes:

• Change of name Affidavit
• Proof of newspaper publication.
• Your old passport.
• A passport application form.
• Letter of application for a change of name

Read also: Can I leave on the day my visa expires?

How to do change of name on Nigerian passport

To change your name:

• Go to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) passport portal here: https://passportintl.immigration.gov.ng.
• Choose the “Apply for Correction of Data” option.
• Log into your account with your username and password.
• On your dashboard, choose the option for name change and select the type of passport you need (32 or 64 pages).
• Fill out the change of name form – add your old and new names.
• Upload all the necessary documents including your letter of application for change of name.
• Then, submit your application.
• Wait for approval of your change of name application.
• Upon approving your application, the NIS will notify you to proceed with biometrics.
• For your biometrics, go to any immigration office near you.
• At the immigration office, your data will be captured.
• After doing your biometric, you’ll receive a confirmation slip stating that your application is being processed, the slip will bear your old name but don’t worry, the change is already underway.
• While waiting for your request to be processed, you can track the status of your application through the NIS website.
• When the change is complete, you’ll be notified that your passport is ready for pickup.

You can pick up your new passport (now bearing the new name) at your nearest NIS office.

Read also: How to renew my Nigerian passport in the UK

Sample of application letter for Nigerian passport change of name

Your letter of application for a “change of name” should be addressed to the Consular General of the Nigerian Immigration Services.

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

The Consular General,
Nigeria Immigration Service,
[Consulate Address],
[City, State].

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Application for Change of Name on Nigerian Passport

I am writing to formally request a change of name on my Nigerian passport. Due to [reason for name change, e.g., marriage, legal name change, etc.], I have legally changed my name from [Old Name] to [New Name]. I kindly request that this change be reflected on my passport.

Please find attached the relevant documents, including a certified copy of the name change certificate and my current passport for your processing.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I look forward to a favourable response.

Yours faithfully,
[Signature if printing]
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

How much is change of name on Nigerian passport

Changing your name on your Nigerian passport will cost you the passport reissue fee, which is currently ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport (5 years) or ₦100,000 for a 64-page passport (10 years), plus other fees for affidavits, newspaper publications, and immigration service charges.

In general, you will spend money on:

• Affidavit: You need a legal affidavit from a court to confirm your name change. It costs between ₦500 to ₦2,000.
• Newspaper publication: You’ll announce the change of name in a newspaper. It costs between ₦3,000 to ₦5,000.
• Passport reissue: You’ll get a new passport with the updated name.
  • • 32-page passport (5 years): ₦50,000
    • 64-page passport (10 years): ₦100,000
• Immigration service fees: You’ll pay a processing fee at the immigration office. Cost: ₦5,000 to ₦10,000.
• Miscellaneous: Budget between ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 for any extra expenses that will come your way.

Total cost between ₦60,000 to ₦150,000, depending on your passport type.

How do I change my name on my Nigerian passport in the UK?

If you’re in the UK, you can change your name by visiting the nearest Nigeran High Commission in London.

Before going to the Nigerian High Commission:

• Fill out the change of name request forms.
• Submit the form with a letter of request for a change of name.
• Include other supporting documents like a marriage certificate if the change is due to marriage.
  Pay the applicable fee and book an appointment for biometrics.
• Go for your biometrics at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
• When done with biometrics, your request will be reviewed, processed and issued to you.

How do I contact the Nigerian immigration service?

Read also: How soon can I renew my UK visa before it expires?

If you’re changing your name or date of birth here in Nigeria, the process is easy, however, it takes time to complete.

Read also: What happens if you fail your visa interview?

While submitting your details, ensure they are correct, more errors will delay your request.