One of the most common problems I see people face is name discrepancies.
On your BVN, your name is Okafor Chinedu Emmanuel.
On your NIN, it’s Chinedu Emmanuel Okafor.
On your passport, it’s Okafor C. Emmanuel.
Small mistake? You may think so. but when it’s time to process a visa, open a bank account, claim inheritance, or even prove ownership of land, that small mistake can delay your entire life.
⚖️ Here’s what the law allows you to do:
✅ 1. Sworn Affidavit: Go to a court and depose to an affidavit stating the correct arrangement of your name. This is your official declaration.
✅ 2. Newspaper Publication: Publish a notice in a national daily that you have corrected your name. This puts the public on notice.
✅ 3. Update Records: Take both the affidavit and publication to the bank, school, or agency to update your details.
✅ 4. Maintain Consistency: From then on, always use the same arrangement across all documents Surname, First Name, Middle Name.
🍲 Pepper Soup Wisdom: Your name is your identity. If you scatter it carelessly, tomorrow, even your own documents may deny knowing you.
Source: Legal Matters with Bar Ronke Ahaotu
