How to Get Age Declaration in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

An age declaration is a legal document that confirms the age of an individual. It is used in various situations such as applying for a job, obtaining a passport, or accessing certain benefits. In Nigeria, getting an age declaration can be a daunting process, especially for those who are not familiar with the requirements and procedures involved. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get an age declaration in Nigeria.

What is an Age Declaration?

An age declaration is a document that confirms the age of an individual. It is usually issued by a court, a local government authority, or a notary public. The document contains the name, date of birth, and other personal details of the individual. An age declaration is often required in various situations such as applying for a job, obtaining a passport, or accessing certain benefits.

Why Do You Need an Age Declaration in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, an age declaration is required in various situations such as applying for a job, obtaining a passport, or accessing certain benefits. It is also required for certain legal proceedings such as inheritance or marriage. Without an age declaration, it can be difficult to prove your age, which can lead to various complications.

How to Get an Age Declaration in Nigeria

Getting an age declaration in Nigeria involves the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Birth Certificate

The first step in getting an age declaration is to obtain a birth certificate. A birth certificate is a legal document that confirms the date and place of birth of an individual. It is usually issued by the National Population Commission (NPC) or the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). To obtain a birth certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A letter of request
• A photocopy of your valid national identity card
• A passport photograph
• A sworn affidavit of age declaration (if you do not have a birth certificate)

Once you have provided the necessary documents, you will be issued a birth certificate.

Step 2: Obtain a Sworn Affidavit of Age Declaration

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can obtain a sworn affidavit of age declaration. A sworn affidavit is a legal document that confirms the age of an individual. It is usually obtained from a court or a notary public. To obtain a sworn affidavit of age declaration, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A letter of request
• A photocopy of your valid national identity card
• A passport photograph
• A letter of identification from a reputable individual (such as a traditional ruler, a religious leader, or a civil servant)

Once you have provided the necessary documents, you will be issued a sworn affidavit of age declaration.

Step 3: Legalize the Affidavit

After obtaining the sworn affidavit of age declaration, you will need to legalize it. Legalization involves getting the document authenticated by a notary public or a court. To legalize the affidavit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• The original sworn affidavit of age declaration
• A photocopy of your valid national identity card
• A passport photograph
• A letter of request

Once the document has been legalized, it can be used as an age declaration.

Step 4: Obtain an Age Declaration from a Local Government Authority

To obtain an age declaration from a local government authority, you will need to provide the following documents:

• The original sworn affidavit of age declaration (or birth certificate)
• A letter of request
• A photocopy of your valid national identity card
• A passport photograph

Once you have provided the necessary documents, the local government authority will issue an age declaration.

Conclusion

Getting an age declaration in Nigeria can be a daunting process, but it is necessary in various situations such as applying for a job, obtaining a passport, or accessing certain benefits. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can obtain an age declaration and avoid the complications that may arise from not having one.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a birth certificate and an age declaration?

   • A birth certificate confirms the date and place of birth of an individual, while an age declaration confirms the age of an individual.

2. Can I obtain an age declaration without a birth certificate?

   • Yes, you can obtain a sworn affidavit of age declaration if you do not have a birth certificate.

3. Can I obtain an age declaration from any local government authority?

   • No, you can only obtain an age declaration from the local government authority where you were born or where you currently reside.

4. How long does it take to obtain an age declaration?

   • The time it takes to obtain an age declaration varies depending on the local government authority and the documents required. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

5. How much does it cost to obtain an age declaration?

   • The cost of obtaining an age declaration varies depending on the local government authority and the documents required. It can range from a few hundred naira to several thousand naira.