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An Affidavit of Cohabitation is a sworn legal document that formally declares your living arrangement with a partner in Nigeria. This document provides official evidence of your cohabitation status and is often required by government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations when you need to prove your relationship status and shared living arrangements.

When do you need this document?

You'll need an Affidavit of Cohabitation when applying for various services or benefits that require proof of your living arrangement. Immigration authorities often request this document for visa applications, particularly for dependent or spousal visas where formal marriage certificates aren't available. Banks and financial institutions may require it when applying for joint loans, mortgages, or shared accounts. Insurance companies might request proof of cohabitation for adding a partner to health or life insurance policies. Government agencies may also require this affidavit when applying for social benefits, housing assistance, or when dealing with tax matters that involve your relationship status.

Key legal considerations

Your Affidavit of Cohabitation must contain specific information to be legally valid and convincing. Both partners must provide complete personal details including full names, addresses, occupations, and nationalities. You must clearly state the nature of your relationship, confirm that both parties are free to cohabit, and provide detailed information about your living arrangement including the address where you live together and the duration of cohabitation. The document should include supporting evidence such as shared utility bills, rental agreements, or other documentation that proves your shared residence. Remember that making false statements in an affidavit constitutes perjury under the Criminal Code Act and can result in serious legal consequences including imprisonment.

Legal requirements in Nigeria

Under Nigerian law, your Affidavit of Cohabitation must comply with the Evidence Act 2011 and the Oaths Act to be legally valid. The document must be sworn before a qualified official such as a Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, or other authorized person as defined by the Commissioner for Oaths Act. The affidavit must include a standard oath declaration where you swear that all statements made are true to the best of your knowledge. Both partners typically need to sign the document, and witnesses may be required depending on the specific purpose of the affidavit. The document must be properly stamped and sealed by the administering official. Nigerian courts recognize properly executed affidavits as prima facie evidence, meaning they're accepted as proof unless contradicted by other evidence. Ensure your affidavit is comprehensive and accurate, as it may be scrutinized by various authorities and could be used in legal proceedings if disputes arise about your relationship status.