What to Do if You Lose Your Birth Certificate in Nigeria

Written by: Admin      Posted On: 2025-10-22 11:31:23



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Losing your birth certificate can feel stressful—especially when you need it for important transactions like school admissions, passport applications, visa processing, or even job opportunities. But the good news? It can be replaced.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you lose your birth certificate in Nigeria, plus how Veinsng can help make the process faster and easier.

Step 1: Confirm If You Really Lost It

Before starting the replacement process, double-check your records. Search through personal files and old folders, parents’ or guardians’ document collections and any scanned or photocopied versions you may have.
If you can’t find the original, keep any copies safe—they can help speed up your replacement process.

Step 2: Get a Sworn Affidavit of Loss

The first official step in Nigeria is to swear an affidavit stating that your birth certificate is missing. This affidavit will serve as legal proof that your document is lost.

Step 3: Publish a Notice in a National Newspaper

In most cases, you’ll be required to publish an announcement of your lost birth certificate in a recognized Nigerian newspaper. The notice should state your name, date of birth, place of birth, and a declaration that your birth certificate is missing. Keep a copy of the published notice—it will be part of your application.

Step 4: Apply for a Replacement at the National Population Commission (NPC)

The NPC is the body responsible for issuing birth certificates in Nigeria. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Sworn affidavit of loss
  • Newspaper publication
  • Valid ID (NIN slip, passport, or driver’s license)
  • A photocopy of the lost birth certificate (if available)

Step 5: Pay Applicable Fees & Wait for Processing

Fees vary depending on location, but the NPC will guide you on payment. Processing times can range from a few days to a few weeks.

Step 6: Collect Your New Birth Certificate

Once processing is complete, you’ll be issued a replacement birth certificate—officially recognized for all legal purposes.

How Veinsng Can Help

At Veinsng, we take the stress out of replacing your birth certificate by:

  • Preparing your sworn affidavit
  • Handling your newspaper publication
  • Guiding you through NPC application requirements
  • Saving you time with faster, coordinated processing

Whether you’re in Nigeria or living abroad, we make sure your replacement birth certificate is delivered without the headaches of queues, paperwork confusion, or missed steps.

Need help replacing your birth certificate?
Contact Veinsng today and let us handle the process—fast, secure, and stress-free.