How to change the bio-data on your Nigerian passport (2026)
A wrong surname, a maiden name you want changed after marriage, a misspelt name, a wrong date or place of birth on the data page — these do not get “edited” on a Nigerian passport. They are corrected by applying for a re-issue with supporting evidence, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This guide explains what can be changed, the evidence each change needs, and how to keep your passport, NIN and other records consistent so nothing gets flagged later.
Honest note: RenewPapers is not the Nigeria Immigration Service and we do not issue or amend passports — the NIS does, on the official portal. What we do is tell you exactly which route and evidence your change needs, prepare the affidavits and supporting documents, and submit it cleanly so it is approved the first time.
What you can change — and how
- Name after marriage — adopting a spouse’s surname. Needs your marriage certificate, usually a sworn affidavit and a newspaper publication. Done as a re-issue.
- Correcting a misspelt name — supported by your birth certificate/attestation, NIN and an affidavit showing the correct spelling.
- Date or place of birth — tightly controlled; needs strong documentary proof (birth certificate or declaration of age) that agrees with your NIN.
- Other data-page details (e.g. next of kin) — updated at re-issue.
Fix your NIN first. The passport system draws on your NIN record. If the error is on your NIN too, correct the NIN first, then the passport — otherwise the change can bounce back.
What are you changing? Get the exact evidence
The re-issue process
- Correct your NIN first if the same error is there.
- Prepare the evidence for your specific change (affidavit, certificate, publication).
- Apply for a passport re-issue on the NIS portal and book capture where required.
- Collect the new passport with the corrected data page.
Watch out for: anyone offering to “edit” a passport without evidence or a re-issue. A passport is tied to your NIS and NIN records; an undocumented change does not hold and can cause you serious problems at a border.
Changing a name or detail on your passport?
Tell us what is wrong or what is changing. We will confirm the route, prepare the affidavits and certificates, make sure your NIN agrees, and submit the re-issue so it is approved the first time.
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