Birth Registration for Nigerians Born Abroad
Nigerian citizens can register the birth of their children born outside Nigeria at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. This entitles the child to Nigerian citizenship and a Nigerian birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC).
Constitutional Right: Under Section 25(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, every person born outside Nigeria either of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria is automatically a Nigerian citizen by birth. Birth registration at an embassy formalises this right.
Why Register?
For the Child
- Nigerian passport — a consular birth certificate is required to apply for the child's first Nigerian passport
- National Identification Number (NIN) — required for future NIN enrolment
- Dual citizenship — as a citizen by birth, the child can hold dual citizenship under Section 28 of the Constitution
- Inheritance rights — legal standing under Nigerian law for property and succession matters
For the Parents
- Proof of relationship — official documentation of parentage
- Immigration support — may be needed for family-based immigration applications in other countries
- Legal record — the birth is recorded with the NPC, Nigeria's vital statistics agency
- Child's passport application — can be done at the same visit to the embassy
Required Documents
| Document | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Child's foreign birth certificate | Original and certified copy | Must be the full birth certificate (not short form) |
| Parents' Nigerian passports | Both parents, originals and copies of bio pages | Current or expired passports accepted. If one parent is non-Nigerian, their passport is still required |
| Parents' marriage certificate | Original and copy | If applicable. Unmarried parents can still register but may need additional documentation |
| Completed birth registration form | Obtained from the embassy | Some embassies allow online download of the form |
| Passport photographs of the child | 4 copies, white background | 35x45mm passport-size format |
| Hospital records or birth notification | Original or certified copy | From the hospital where the child was born |
| Parents' Nigerian birth certificates | If available | Or other proof of Nigerian origin (LGA identification letter, affidavit of origin) |
| Proof of address | Utility bill or bank statement | Current address in the host country |
Registration Process Step by Step
- Contact the embassy — Call or email your nearest Nigerian embassy to confirm requirements, fees, and whether an appointment is needed. Some embassies accept walk-ins, others require appointments.
- Obtain the registration form — Collect the Consular Report of Birth Abroad form from the embassy. Some embassies provide it on their website for download.
- Gather all documents — Compile originals and copies of all documents listed above. Ensure all documents are current and in order.
- Visit the embassy — Both parents should attend in person where possible. Bring the child along. If one parent cannot attend, provide a consent letter (notarized) from the absent parent.
- Submit application and pay fee — Hand in the completed form with all supporting documents. Pay the registration fee (see below).
- Embassy processing — The embassy reviews the documents, verifies the parents' Nigerian citizenship, and registers the birth. The details are forwarded to the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja.
- Collect the certificate — The embassy issues a Consular Report of Birth / Nigerian birth certificate. Processing time varies from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the embassy.
- Apply for passport — With the consular birth certificate, you can immediately apply for the child's Nigerian passport at the same embassy.
Fees
| Service | Fee (NGN) | Approximate USD/GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Birth registration | 10,000 – 20,000 NGN | $7 – $14 / £6 – £12 |
| Consular birth certificate (issuance) | 15,000 – 25,000 NGN | $10 – $18 / £8 – £15 |
| Late registration surcharge (after 60 days) | 5,000 – 10,000 NGN additional | $3 – $7 |
| Child's first passport (if applied simultaneously) | Separate passport fee applies | — |
Fees vary by embassy. Some embassies charge in local currency equivalent. Contact your specific embassy for exact fees and accepted payment methods.
Important Notes
- Register early — Registration should be done as soon as possible after birth (ideally within 60 days). Late registration is accepted but may attract additional fees and documentation requirements.
- No time limit — There is no absolute time limit for birth registration. Adults born abroad to Nigerian parents who were never registered can still apply.
- Section 25 of the Constitution — A child born to at least one Nigerian parent is entitled to Nigerian citizenship by birth, regardless of where the child was born.
- Single parent — If only one parent is Nigerian, that parent alone can register the birth. Additional documentation (statutory declaration, DNA evidence in rare cases) may be requested.
- Death registration — The same embassies handle death registration for Nigerian citizens who pass away abroad, following a similar process.
- Dual citizenship — Children registered as Nigerian citizens by birth can hold dual citizenship under Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution. See our citizenship guide.
Related Services
Pro Tip
After registering the birth, apply for the child's Nigerian passport at the same visit. Both parents' consent is required for minor passport applications.
You can also request the child's NIN enrolment at embassies that offer NIN services.