Can Nigerians hold dual citizenship?

Yes, but only Nigerian citizens by birth. Under Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution, a Nigerian citizen by birth who acquires foreign citizenship retains their Nigerian citizenship. Citizens who obtained Nigerian citizenship by registration or naturalization cannot hold dual citizenship.

Is a child born abroad to Nigerian parents automatically a Nigerian citizen?

Yes. 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. Register the birth at the nearest Nigerian embassy to formalise the citizenship.

How can a foreigner become a Nigerian citizen?

Foreigners can become Nigerian citizens through registration (Section 26) or naturalization (Section 27). Both require at least 15 years of continuous residence in Nigeria, good character, intention to be domiciled in Nigeria, and approval by the President through the Federal Ministry of Interior.

Do I need to report my other citizenship to Nigeria?

No. Nigerian citizens by birth who acquire foreign citizenship are not required to report or declare their other citizenship to Nigerian authorities. There is no formal reporting requirement.

Can dual citizens hold political office in Nigeria?

Yes. Nigerian citizens by birth who hold dual citizenship maintain full political rights, including the right to vote and hold political office. However, some argue there are practical considerations, and the issue has been debated in Nigerian courts.

Nigerian Citizenship & Dual Nationality Guide

Everything you need to know about Nigerian citizenship — how it is acquired, dual citizenship rules under the 1999 Constitution, renunciation, and the rights and obligations of Nigerian citizens at home and abroad.

Citizenship by Birth (Section 25)

Under Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution, the following persons are Nigerian citizens by birth:

Category	Requirement
Pre-independence (before 1 Oct 1960)	Born in Nigeria, with parents or grandparents belonging to a community indigenous to Nigeria
Post-independence (born in Nigeria)	Born in Nigeria after independence, with either parent or grandparent being a Nigerian citizen
Born outside Nigeria	Born outside Nigeria, with either parent being a Nigerian citizen

Key point for the diaspora: Children born to Nigerian parents abroad are automatically Nigerian citizens by birth. This is the most privileged form of citizenship as it allows dual citizenship and cannot be revoked. Register the birth at your nearest Nigerian embassy.

Citizenship by Registration (Section 26)

Foreign nationals may apply for Nigerian citizenship by registration if they meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Details
Good character	No criminal record, police clearance required
Intention to reside	Clear intention to be domiciled in Nigeria
Community acceptance	Accepted by the community where they wish to reside (letter from community leader/traditional ruler)
Residence period	Continuous residence in Nigeria for at least 15 years
Contribution	Capable of making a useful contribution to Nigeria
Oath of Allegiance	Must take the Oath of Allegiance to Nigeria

Marriage: Women married to Nigerian citizens may be registered as citizens on application to the President through the Federal Ministry of Interior. The 15-year residence requirement may be waived for spouses.

Applications are processed through the Federal Ministry of Interior, Abuja. There is no fixed processing timeline — it can take 1-3 years.

Citizenship by Naturalization (Section 27)

Naturalization is the most rigorous pathway to Nigerian citizenship. Requirements include:

Being of full age (18+) and capacity
Being of good character
Demonstrating a clear intention to be domiciled in Nigeria
Having resided in Nigeria for a continuous period of at least 15 years (or having been in Nigerian government service for that period)
Being familiar with the language of the community where they intend to reside
Making a useful contribution to the advancement, progress, or well-being of Nigeria
Taking the Oath of Allegiance

Application process: Apply through the Federal Ministry of Interior. The application requires two Nigerian citizens as referees, a police clearance certificate, proof of 15 years' continuous residence, and evidence of contribution to Nigeria. The President must approve all naturalization applications.

Dual Citizenship (Section 28)

Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution governs dual citizenship in Nigeria:

Citizens by birth CAN hold dual citizenship

A Nigerian citizen by birth who acquires the citizenship of another country retains their Nigerian citizenship. This is the most important provision for the Nigerian diaspora.

Citizens by registration/naturalization CANNOT

If a person who became Nigerian through registration or naturalization acquires another nationality (other than by birth), they automatically lose their Nigerian citizenship.

What dual citizenship means for the diaspora:

Right/Obligation	Status for Dual Citizens by Birth
Hold foreign passport	Allowed — does not affect Nigerian citizenship
Nigerian passport	Entitled — can hold and renew Nigerian passport
Right to vote in Nigeria	Yes — must register with INEC
Right to hold political office	Yes — full political rights
Property ownership in Nigeria	Full rights — same as resident Nigerians
Children's citizenship	Automatic — children are also citizens by birth
Report other citizenship to Nigeria	Not required — no reporting obligation

Renunciation of Citizenship

A Nigerian citizen of full age who wishes to renounce their citizenship may do so by making a declaration in the prescribed manner through the Federal Ministry of Interior in Abuja.

Process:

Obtain the renunciation form from the Federal Ministry of Interior or a Nigerian embassy
Complete the declaration of renunciation
Submit to the Ministry or embassy with your Nigerian passport
The President may withhold approval if Nigeria is at war or if renunciation is not in the public interest
Once approved, the renunciation is registered and your Nigerian passport is cancelled

Note: Renunciation is generally irreversible. Consider very carefully before proceeding. Contact your nearest Nigerian embassy for guidance.

Rights of Nigerian Citizens Abroad

Consular protection — right to assistance from Nigerian embassies worldwide
Passport services — right to obtain and renew Nigerian passports at any embassy
Voting — diaspora voting provisions are being expanded (check with INEC for current status)
Property ownership — full rights to own property and land in Nigeria
Business — right to establish and operate businesses in Nigeria
NIN enrolment — can enrol for NIN at embassies offering the service
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) — provides support and engagement for diaspora Nigerians

Related Services

Birth Registration Passport Services Document Authentication Find an Embassy FAQ

Key Legislation

Section 25 — Citizenship by birth
Section 26 — Citizenship by registration
Section 27 — Citizenship by naturalization
Section 28 — Dual citizenship & renunciation

All from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).