Nationality of Nigeria: all obtaining pathways
Nigeria requires fifteen years of residence for ordinary naturalization, one of the longest periods on the continent, reduced to five years of marriage to a Nigerian resident. Nationality is acquired by birth in the territory and by descent.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Nigeria before the date of independence (1 October 1960) to parents originating from Nigeria
- Birth in Nigeria after independence to parents or grandparents originating from Nigeria
- Children of unknown parents found in Nigerian territory are presumed Nigerian
Documentation
- Nigerian birth certificate
- Birth certificates of parents or grandparents
- Parents' identity documents
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Nigerian father or a Nigerian mother
- Birth outside Nigeria to a Nigerian father or mother
- Nationality is transmitted through paternal or maternal filiation
- Dual nationality permitted by birth but not by naturalization
Documentation
- Nigerian parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
3Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Full age and capacity (s 27(2)(a))
- Good character (s 27(2)(b))
- Clear intention to be domiciled in Nigeria (s 27(2)(c))
- Acceptable to the local community and assimilated into the Nigerian way of life, in the opinion of the State Governor (s 27(2)(d))
- Made or capable of making a useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of Nigeria (s 27(2)(e))
- Oath of Allegiance in the Seventh Schedule (s 27(2)(f))
- Residence: (i) 15 continuous years before applying OR (ii) 12 continuous months + ≥15 aggregate years within the preceding 20 years (s 27(2)(g))
- A naturalized citizen forfeits citizenship upon acquiring another (s 28(1))
- Alternative (sec 27(g)(ii)): reside continuously for 12 months + an AGGREGATE of 15 years within the 20 years immediately preceding that 12-month period
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 15 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of previous nationality
- Proof of contribution to the country
4Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- Woman married or formerly married to a citizen of Nigeria (s 26(2)(a))
- Registration (not naturalisation) before the President
- Good character (s 26(1)(a))
- Clear intention to be domiciled in Nigeria (s 26(1)(b))
- Oath of Allegiance in the Seventh Schedule (s 26(1)(c))
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Nigerian spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of previous nationality
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Nigeria
How many years of residence does Nigeria require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Nigeria (Naturalization by residence), the term is 15 years of continuous residence in Nigeria before applying (or 12 continuous months + ≥15 aggregate years in the preceding 20 years) — s 27(2)(g). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Nigeria be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (No residence or marriage period: registration as a woman who is or has been married to a Nigerian citizen — s 26(2)(a)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Nigeria require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 15 years; Criminal record certificate; Declaration of renunciation of previous nationality; Proof of contribution to the country.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Nigeria?
Nigeria provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage.
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