Nigerian Dual Citizenship — Rules & Requirements

Citizens by Birth (Allowed)

You are a Nigerian citizen by birth if:

• You were born in Nigeria and either of your parents or grandparents is Nigerian
• You were born outside Nigeria but either parent is a Nigerian citizen

If you fall into either category, you can hold dual citizenship — you may acquire another nationality without affecting your Nigerian citizenship.

Citizens by Naturalisation or Registration (Restricted)

If you acquired Nigerian citizenship through naturalisation or registration (not by birth), you must renounce your previous nationality before receiving Nigerian citizenship.

Foreign Nationals Acquiring Nigerian Citizenship

Non-Nigerians wishing to become Nigerian citizens must typically renounce their current citizenship, unless that citizenship was acquired by birth and not by naturalisation.

The legal basis for Nigerian citizenship and dual nationality is found in:

• Chapter III of the 1999 Constitution — Sections 25-32 cover citizenship
• Section 28(1) — A Nigerian citizen by birth who acquires another nationality does not automatically lose Nigerian citizenship
• Section 28(2) — Provides for voluntary renunciation of Nigerian citizenship
• Section 29 — Renunciation requires a declaration registered with the President

Using Two Passports

• Enter and leave Nigeria using your Nigerian passport
• Enter and leave your other country using that country’s passport
• Always carry both passports when travelling between the two countries
• Airlines may check that you have the correct documentation for your destination

Rights and Obligations

• Dual citizens retain full rights in Nigeria including property ownership and voting
• You may be subject to military service obligations in both countries
• Tax obligations may apply in both countries — consult a tax advisor
• Certain public offices in Nigeria require sole Nigerian citizenship

Political Office Restriction

Under the Nigerian Constitution, dual citizens may be restricted from holding certain political offices. Some positions require that the officeholder does not hold citizenship of another country. Legal interpretation of this varies.

Children born abroad to Nigerian parents are entitled to Nigerian citizenship by descent. To register the child’s citizenship:

1. Register the birth at the nearest Nigerian embassy within 60 days
2. Provide the child’s foreign birth certificate
3. Show both parents’ Nigerian passports
4. Apply for a Nigerian passport for the child

The child can hold both Nigerian citizenship and the citizenship of the country of birth.

Nigerian citizenship can be lost or revoked in specific circumstances:

• Voluntary renunciation — by making a declaration to the President
• Naturalised citizens only: If they acquire another nationality (unless acquired by birth)
• Deprivation by the President — in cases of fraud, disloyalty, or criminal conviction within 5 years of naturalisation

Citizens by birth cannot have their citizenship involuntarily revoked.

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