Nigerian Supreme Court: Deed Poll Mandatory for Official Name Changes

• The Nigerian government is reviewing its laws on personal identity and name changes, including the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026.
• Following a 2020 Supreme Court decision, newspaper publications and affidavits are no longer sufficient for legalising official name changes; a deed poll published in the official gazette is now required.
• Lawyers and compliance officers should update their procedures to reflect these changes in the law.
• Individuals seeking to change their names may need to adapt to new requirements.

The Nigerian government has been reviewing its laws and regulations regarding personal identity and name changes.

In recent times, a significant development has emerged that has altered the landscape of name change procedures in Nigeria. The issue at hand revolves around the use of newspaper publications and affidavits as means to legalise name changes. According to a Supreme Court decision in 2020, these traditional methods are no longer sufficient or even valid for achieving official name changes, particularly for updating official records and certificates.

The Nigerian government has been reviewing its laws and regulations regarding personal identity and name changes. This review is aimed at ensuring that the country's legal framework aligns with international best practices and standards. A key development in this area was the Supreme Court's 2020 decision in *PDP v. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo & Others*, which clarified that a deed poll, duly published in the official gazette, is the legally binding format for name changes or corrections on official certificates. Furthermore, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 was signed into law on June 26, 2026, replacing the 2007 Act and introducing reforms to strengthen the country's digital identity management system. The focus on updating these laws and judicial pronouncements has sparked discussions about the impact on existing procedures for changing names, including the use of newspaper publications and affidavits.

Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of this development as it may require them to update their procedures and documentation when handling name change requests from clients. The changes, stemming from the 2020 Supreme Court ruling and broader regulatory updates, have far-reaching implications for individuals seeking to alter their official names, making it essential for professionals in the field to stay informed about any updates or modifications to the existing laws and regulations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential impact on clients seeking to change their names, as this development may require updated procedures and documentation.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News