By Godspower Eroga, Esq.
Publishing your name change in the official Government Gazette gives it strong legal recognition and is often required when updating documents like international passports, NIN, or academic certificates.
Below are the steps you need to take to apply for gazette publication.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Before applying, ensure you have:
1. Your Deed Poll showing old and new names.
2. ID card of the applicant.
3. A cover letter addressed to the Chief Registrar or relevant official.
Step 2: Address to the Correct Office
For Lagos Publication:
Address your application to:
The Federal Government Printer, Lagos
Publication Department (Gazette), Federal Government Press.
For Abuja Publication
Although less directly documented, submissions are usually directed to:
The Federal Government Printer, Abuja
or via the Civil Registry’s Publication Department, Federal Ministry of Information.
Include the full address in your cover letter to ensure your application reaches the right desk.
Step 3: Fee Structure & Payment.
Based on the May 2025 Gazette fee schedule, the current rate for publication is from One Hundred Thousand Naira and above.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Include in your submission:
* Cover letter (stating intent and details).
* Affidavit
* Newspaper publication proof.
* ID card of the applicant.
* Any other requested documents.
Step 5: Processing & Collection.
Wait for the publication to be processed.
You will receive the Gazette issue showing your name change.
Collect or have it delivered retain multiple copies if needed for banks, immigration services, or certificate updates.
Note: Government gazettes are published once every week. It is not like the regular newspaper that is published daily.
Your Gazette serves as strong legal evidence of your name change.
Kindly note, that base on the Supreme Court decision in PDP v. DEGI-EREMIENYO (2021) NWLR 1781 @ P. 274, the position of the law currently now is that, you cannot change your name by swearing to an Affidavit and Publishing “change of name” in a newspaper. The most appropriate way is by a Deed poll. A Deed poll is a type of deed to be prepared by a lawyer for execution by the person that want to change name and thereafter proceed to the Nigerian Civil Registry to have it registered and published in an official gazette, its then you have legitimately changed your name and can use it to back up your other documents including land title documents issued on your former name.
For further enquiry contact:
Godspower Eroga, Esq. Email: [email protected], Call/WhatsApp: 08066804082
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