Acquiring Nigerian citizenship can be a strategic move for various reasons, including business opportunities, familial connections, or personal preference.
There are three primary pathways to obtain Nigerian citizenship: by naturalisation, by registration, and by investment.
Each pathway has specific requirements and costs.
This article provides a detailed guide on the requirements and costs associated with each method, aiming to help potential applicants understand the process and take the necessary steps confidently.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Overview
Citizenship by naturalisation is granted to foreigners who have resided in Nigeria for an extended period and wish to become Nigerian citizens.
This process is governed by Section 27 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
Requirements
To apply for Nigerian citizenship by naturalization, the following documents are needed:
- Passport Photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Evidence of Means of Livelihood
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Residence Permit
- First 5 Pages of International Passport, including Data Page
- Guarantors’ Downloaded Form
- Guarantors’ Passport Photograph
- Guarantors’ Curriculum Vitae
- ID Card (Driver’s License/International Passport/National ID Card) of Guarantors
- Evidence of Socio-Economic Contributions
Constitutional Requirements
In addition to the documents, applicants must satisfy the President that they meet the following criteria:
- Full Age and Capacity
- Good Character
- Clear Intention to be Domiciled in Nigeria
- Acceptance by Local Community– As assessed by the Governor of the state where the applicant resides or intends to reside.
- Assimilation into Nigerian Way of Life
- Contribution to the Advancement and Well-Being of Nigeria
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance– Prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.
- Residency Requirements:
- Continuous residence in Nigeria for 15 years, or
- Continuous residence in Nigeria for 12 months and aggregate residence of 15 years within the past 20 years.
Costs
The costs associated with citizenship by naturalisation are as follows:
- Revenue Processing Fee: ₦250,000
- Portal Fee: ₦350,000
- Automation Fees: ₦300,000
- Approval Fee: ₦500,000
Professional Fees
Professional fees for assistance with the naturalisation process range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦3,000,000.
Citizenship by Registration
Overview
Citizenship by registration is typically available to individuals with Nigerian ancestry or those married to Nigerian citizens.
This process is governed by Section 26 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. There are two primary subsections under which registration can be pursued: Section 26 (2A) and Section 26 (2B).
Requirements Under Section 26 (2B)
For individuals with Nigerian parentage:
- Passport Photograph
- Applicant’s Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate Where Applicable
- Residence Permit
- First 5 Pages of International Passport, including Data Page
- Upload Evidence of Nigerian Citizenship of Either Parent/Grandparent/Great Grandparent
- Letter from Guarantors
- Guarantors’ Passport Photograph
- Guarantors’ Downloaded Form
- Guarantors’ Curriculum Vitae
- ID Card (Driver’s License/International Passport/National ID Card) of Guarantors
Requirements Under Section 26 (2A)
For individuals married to Nigerian citizens or related to deceased Nigerian citizens:
- Passport Photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Evidence of Means of Livelihood
- Marriage Certificate
- Residence Permit
- First 5 Pages of International Passport, including Data Page
- Letter of Consent from Husband/Children/Relatives in Case of Deceased Husband
- Particulars of Previous Marriage(s) Where Applicable
- Evidence of Husband/Relatives Citizenship in Case of Deceased Husband (Local Government Certificate of Origin or Naturalisation Certificate)
- Upload Court Judgment (if applicable)
- Letter from Guarantors
- ID Card (Driver’s License/International Passport/National ID Card) of Guarantors
Constitutional Requirements
In addition to the documents, applicants must satisfy the President that they meet the following criteria:
- Good Character
- Clear Intention to be Domiciled in Nigeria
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance– Prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.
The provisions apply to:
- Women Married to Nigerian Citizens (Section 26 (2A))
- Individuals with Nigerian Ancestry (Section 26 (2B))
Differences Between Section 26 (2A) and Section 26 (2B)
- Section 26 (2A): Primarily for spouses or relatives of Nigerian citizens, especially where the husband or relative is deceased. Requires additional documents like a letter of consent and evidence of the deceased relative’s citizenship.
- Section 26 (2B): For individuals of Nigerian descent, requiring proof of Nigerian ancestry.
Costs
The costs associated with citizenship by registration under both subsections are as follows:
- Revenue Processing Fee: ₦250,000
- Portal Fee: ₦350,000
- Automation Fees: ₦300,000
- Approval Fee: ₦500,000
Professional Fees
Professional fees for assistance with the registration process range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦3,000,000.
Citizenship by Investment
Overview
Citizenship by investment allows foreigners to obtain Nigerian citizenship by making a significant financial investment in the country.
This method is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking to leverage Nigeria’s economic opportunities.
Requirements
To apply for Nigerian citizenship by investment, the following are required:
- Written Application Duly Signed by Applicant
- The Applicant Must Not Possess Acquired Dual Citizenship or Come from a Country That Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship with Nigeria
- Must Take Oath of Allegiance to Nigeria and Support the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Must Undertake a Frame Agreement with Nigeria in the Form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Must Satisfy the Residence Requirements (Proof of Previous Visits to Nigeria)
- Police Report from Countries Where the Applicant Resided in the Last Five Years Showing Clean Criminal Records
- Evidence of Required Amount for Investment (Minimum of $1,000,000)
- Documentary Proof of Proposed Investment in Nigeria
- Evidence of Good Mental and Physical Health
- Ability to Read, Write, and Speak Basic English Language
- Understanding of Basic Fundamental History of Nigeria
- Economic Self-Sufficiency
Costs
The costs associated with citizenship by investment are as follows:
- Revenue Processing Fee: ₦300,000
- Portal Fee:₦400,000
- Automation Fees:₦400,000
- Approval Fee:₦300,000
The investment required is a minimum of $1,000,000. Additional processing fees may apply but are typically outlined in the specific investment agreement.
Professional Fees
Professional fees for assistance with the investment-based citizenship process range from ₦3,500,000 to ₦7,000,000.
Cost Summary Chart
| Citizenship Pathway | Revenue Processing Fee (₦) | Portal Fee (₦) | Automation Fees (₦) | Approval Fee (₦) | Professional Fee Range (₦) |
| Naturalization (Section 27) | 250,000 | 350,000 | 300,000 | 500,000 | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Registration (Section 26 (2B)) | 250,000 | 350,000 | 300,000 | 500,000 | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Registration (Section 26 (2A)) | 250,000 | 350,000 | 300,000 | 500,000 | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Investment | 300,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 300,000 | 3,500,000 – 7,000,000 |
Conclusion
Securing Nigerian citizenship through naturalization, registration, or investment involves detailed processes and substantial costs.
Understanding the requirements and associated fees is crucial for a smooth application process.
Whether you are pursuing citizenship for personal, professional, or investment purposes, consulting with professionals can ensure compliance and increase your chances of success.
Take the first step today to explore the opportunities that Nigerian citizenship offers and make informed decisions for your future.
