By Abigail David

Nigerians seeking to change their names on official records may soon need to meet stricter requirements, following a Supreme Court clarification and plans by the National Population Commission (NPC) to strengthen the country’s identity management system.

According to reports, the Supreme Court ruled that an affidavit and newspaper publication alone are not sufficient to effect a legal name change on official government records. The clarification follows the 2021 judgment in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) v. Degi-Eremienyo case, which outlined the need for a more formal legal process.

Here are six key points Nigerians should know:

1. Affidavit and newspaper publication may not be enough: While commonly used in the past, these documents alone may no longer satisfy the legal requirements for updating names on official records.
2. A Deed Poll is required: A Deed Poll serves as a formal legal declaration of a person’s intention to abandon a former name and adopt a new one. It is typically prepared by a legal practitioner.
3. Official Gazette publication is part of the process: In addition to a Deed Poll, publication in the Official Gazette provides official government recognition of a name change, unlike a newspaper announcement, which mainly serves public notice.
4. Authorities aim to reduce fraud: The NPC said the previous system had loopholes that could be be exploited through forged or manipulated documents. The planned reforms are intended to strengthen identity verification.
5. Digital name-change platform in development: The commission is working on an online platform that will allow applicants to submit requests, undergo verification and receive official approval electronically.
6. Identity management is the focus: The reforms are expected to improve consistency across government records, including birth certificates, National Identification Numbers (NIN), passports and other official documents.

The proposed changes do not invalidate affidavits or newspaper publications. However, they indicate that additional legal documentation may be required before government agencies recognise and update a person’s name on official records.

By Abigail David

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Inspector-General of Police to take over investigations into the deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola, insisting that both cases deserve thorough and transparent investigations.

In a statement titled “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet,” Falana said every suspicious death should be independently investigated, stressing that the right to life is fundamental.

He also urged authorities to expedite an autopsy in the case of Mary Habila, who was found dead on June 27, 2026, at a residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Falana questioned the handling of the case, noting concerns over delays in conducting an autopsy after police reportedly declined a request by Habila’s father to release her body for burial.

According to Falana, while the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied any wrongdoing and said the matter was reported to the police, the circumstances surrounding the death warrant a comprehensive investigation.

The senior advocate also welcomed the Nigeria Police Force’s decision to investigate 30 suspected politically related killings linked to the build-up to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. He urged the Osun State Attorney-General to ensure that any suspects arrested are promptly prosecuted in the appropriate court.

Falana further reminded authorities that the Coroner Laws of Ebonyi State, Osun State and the Federal Capital Territory require inquests into sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious deaths.

He called on the media and relevant authorities to ensure that all suspicious death cases are fully investigated and handled transparently.

By Abigail David

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that prospective corps members must obtain clearance from the National Electronic Registration Database (NERD) before they can be mobilised for national service.

In a notice shared on its official X account, the scheme said the clearance is now a compulsory requirement for all prospective corps members and urged eligible graduates to complete the process early to avoid delays.

According to the NYSC, candidates who fail to obtain NERD clearance will not be mobilised for the national service programme.

“NERD clearance is compulsory for all PCMs. No NERD clearance, No NYSC,” the scheme stated.

The directive comes as the NYSC prepares for the mobilisation of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ prospective corps members and intensifies measures to strengthen its verification process.

Although the scheme did not provide further details on the clearance procedure, it said the requirement forms part of efforts to improve the integrity of the mobilisation process.

The announcement follows the recent release of mobilisation guidelines for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ service year, with the NYSC urging institutions and eligible graduates to complete all required documentation before the orientation exercise.

The scheme also recently advised prospective corps members to avoid travelling at night to orientation camps, encouraging them to break their journeys when necessary and lodge in safe locations or designated military and security formations where available.

As mobilisation activities continue, prospective corps members are expected to complete all registration and verification requirements, including the mandatory NERD clearance, before reporting to orientation camp.