Nigerian Citizenship

Understanding Nigerian citizenship — how it is acquired, dual citizenship rules, and the rights and obligations of Nigerian citizens under the 1999 Constitution.

Citizenship by Birth (Section 25)

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

  • Every person born in Nigeria before independence (1 October 1960) whose parents or grandparents belonged to a community indigenous to Nigeria
  • Every person born in Nigeria after independence either of whose parents or grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria
  • Every person born outside Nigeria either of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria

Key point: 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.

Citizenship by Registration (Section 26)

Foreign nationals may apply for Nigerian citizenship by registration if they:

  • Are of good character
  • Show a clear intention to be domiciled in Nigeria
  • Are accepted by the community where they wish to reside
  • Have been a resident in Nigeria for a continuous period of at least 15 years
  • Are capable of making useful contribution to Nigeria
  • Have taken the Oath of Allegiance

Additionally, women married to Nigerian citizens may be registered as citizens on application.

Citizenship by Naturalization (Section 27)

Naturalization requirements include:

  • Being of full age 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 has been in government service for that period)
  • Being familiar with the language of the community where they intend to reside
  • Making a useful contribution to advancement, progress, or well-being of Nigeria

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 or naturalization — CANNOT hold dual citizenship. If a person who became Nigerian through registration or naturalization acquires another nationality (other than by birth), they automatically lose their Nigerian citizenship.

What this means for the diaspora:

  • If you are Nigerian by birth, you can acquire British, American, Canadian, or any other citizenship without losing your Nigerian citizenship
  • You maintain full political rights in Nigeria, including the right to vote and hold office
  • Your children born abroad to a Nigerian parent are also Nigerian citizens by birth and enjoy the same dual citizenship protections
  • You do NOT need to formally declare your other citizenship to Nigerian authorities (there is no reporting requirement)

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. The President may withhold renunciation if Nigeria is at war or if it is not conducive to the public good.

Renunciation is processed through the Federal Ministry of Interior. Contact your nearest Nigerian embassy for guidance.

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