Nigerian Same-Person Affidavit in Italy: Fixing Name Mismatches

If your Nigerian passport says “Chinedu Okafor” but a school certificate, birth record or previous identity document shows a different spelling, you may encounter questions when submitting paperwork in Italy. A Nigerian same-person affidavit is one possible way to explain that two recorded names refer to the same individual. It is not an automatic correction of either record.

The right approach depends on which document contains the error and, more importantly, what the Italian receiving office actually accepts. This guide is for Nigerians in Rome and elsewhere in Italy preparing documents for universities, legalisation, immigration-related appointments or other administrative purposes. Last fact-check: 3 November 2026.

What is a same-person affidavit?

A same-person affidavit is a sworn declaration linking two variations of a person's recorded identity. It may explain differences caused by spelling, name order, an omitted middle name or an earlier lawful name change. The document normally describes both names, the relevant underlying documents and why the declarant believes they refer to one person.

It is important to distinguish three separate tasks:

• Explaining a discrepancy: a sworn statement or supporting evidence may clarify why two historical records differ.
• Correcting a source record: the relevant Nigerian issuing authority must make an official correction if the underlying record is wrong.
• Making the evidence acceptable in Italy: the receiving Italian office may require authentication, legalisation or Italian translation.

No affidavit can force an Italian office to accept inconsistent identity information. Ask for written requirements before paying for a document.

When might an affidavit be useful in Italy?

The Consulate General of Italy in Lagos expressly discusses name discrepancies in its guidance for study documents and declarations of value. It says vital records should agree with the birth certificate and that, where they differ, a court affidavit should clarify and justify the mismatch. The affidavit should be legalised by Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Italian.

That guidance is specific to the consulate's study-document process. It is not proof that every Questura, comune, scholarship authority or citizenship office follows the same rule. If you are submitting to a different office, ask whether the office wants an affidavit, a corrected certificate, a marriage record, or several documents together.

You can begin with Liberty Digital's same-person letter preparation support to organise the records and describe the discrepancy clearly. Formal swearing, official corrections and acceptance remain with the competent authorities.

Compare your documents before requesting a declaration

Place the records side by side and prepare a simple comparison. The goal is to find exactly which detail differs before selecting a solution.

• Write your name as it appears on your current Nigerian passport, including middle names and order.
• Compare the date and place of birth with the Nigerian birth record or age declaration.
• Review your National Identification Number record, previous passports, academic certificates and any marriage or change-of-name documents.
• Note which document was issued first and whether any legal name change occurred after it.
• Confirm the exact Italian document that triggered the query and preserve the original request from that office.

For passport applications, the Nigeria Immigration Service describes a distinct correction-of-errors process, including an application letter and supporting documents. Its passport renewal process also compares applicant details with NIN information. Read the NIS instructions before assuming that a new affidavit solves a passport or NIN mismatch.

For related preparation, see the NIN document support guide for Rome.

What evidence should a declaration include?

A sensible preparation bundle includes the old and new spellings, copies of the records bearing each version, a clear explanation of the difference, and evidence supporting a name change when one actually occurred. Examples include a marriage certificate, a prior passport or the original certificate bearing the historical name.

The declarant should never invent a name-change date or explanation. If a typographical error occurred, describe it as such rather than claiming a legal change. The officer or court administering the oath determines the required form and may request additional evidence.

Do not upload unredacted passport scans, NIN details or birth records to an ordinary public enquiry form. Use an appropriate secure method when an authorised professional needs to examine sensitive records.

Do you need translation and legalisation?

Often, but the exact path depends on where the document was created and which office will receive it. Italian Foreign Ministry guidance explains that foreign public documents ordinarily need legalisation and Italian translation for use in Italy, subject to applicable exemptions.

For a document issued by a Nigerian authority, the Italian Embassy in Abuja says the original must first be legalised by Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accompanied by an Italian translation. The Embassy covers FCT, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Plateau and Katsina; the Italian Consulate General in Lagos covers documents issued by authorities in other Nigerian states. An affidavit sworn in Italy may follow a different route, so confirm the proper procedure rather than automatically sending it to Nigeria.

If your mismatch involves documents required for marriage, read our Nigerian nulla osta preparation guide for Italy before preparing sworn statements. A simple name declaration is not a replacement for a marriage no-impediment certificate.

Five mistakes that cause unnecessary delays

• Correcting only the affidavit while leaving an incorrect primary record unchanged.
• Using a preferred nickname instead of the exact name on the source document.
• Assuming a Nigerian court seal means a document is automatically accepted in Italy.
• Translating a document before establishing which stamps and certification the Italian office wants.
• Paying an intermediary who guarantees legalisation or approval without confirming the receiving office's instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Can a same-person affidavit change my passport name?

No. A passport correction is a separate Nigeria Immigration Service process. An affidavit may be supporting evidence, but it does not itself amend passport or NIN data.

Will a Questura accept a Nigerian same-person affidavit?

There is no universal answer. Ask the specific Questura or other receiving office whether it accepts the document and in what translated or legalised form.

Do I need a same-person affidavit for a marriage surname change?

Not always. A marriage certificate or other name-change evidence may be appropriate. The receiving authority decides whether an additional affidavit is needed.

Can Liberty Digital issue an official affidavit?

Liberty Digital provides independent document-preparation assistance. The relevant court, authorised oath officer, consulate or issuing authority controls official issuance and acceptance.

Official references

• Italian Consulate General in Lagos: study document legalisation and name mismatches
• Nigeria Immigration Service: passport correction requirements
• Italian Embassy Abuja: legalisation of Nigerian documents

Related reads

• NPC birth attestation for Italy: which birth record is relevant?
• Preparing Nigerian documents for Italian citizenship

Need help organising a discrepancy? Start with same-person declaration preparation. We can help you organise information and questions before you contact the official office.