One of the more popular options for dual citizenship is Nigeria. We’ve compiled the necessary information for anyone applying for Nigerian dual citizenship. The biggest barrier to citizenship is that there is a requirement to live in the country for 15 years for naturalised citizens.
There are certain familial restrictions for Nigeria dual citizenship seekers. Limitations hover around direct and indirect citizenship connections with parents and grandparents. This ties in with the Nigerian independence in 1960. All related information is described below.
Family Ties
The most important part of acquiring a Nigeria dual citizenship involves family ties. Look at your family tree for any members that have, or had Nigerian citizenship. This is because this nation allows citizenship by descent. This can extend from parents to grandparents.
According to Section 25 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution, Nigeria dual citizenship is allowed. However, you’ll need to be someone with Nigerian ancestry, but there are a few exceptions.
Naturalisation
Surprisingly, you can receive Nigeria dual citizenship, through becoming a naturalised citizen. Their government takes certain individuals into consideration. They’re looking for people who are capable of making a useful contribution to the nation of Nigeria. This entails a person of full age and capacity.
If the Nigerian government thinks someone has successfully integrated into Nigerian society, they can be a citizen. However, there’s a long in-country living requirement, you’ll have to meet. Then, that person might qualify for a certificate of naturalisation.
This is a more complicated method of achieving a Nigeria dual citizenship. The details provided from section 28 for proper registration are as follows:
- Person of good character; two witnesses to testify
- Clear intention and desire to reside in Nigeria
- Must take the Oath of Allegiance according to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution
More specific Nigeria dual citizenship naturalisation requirements include:
- Person of full age and capacity
- Person of good character
- Capable of making a useful contribution to Nigeria
- The person has either resided in Nigeria for a continuous fifteen years.
- Alternatively, you’ve resided in Nigeria for twelve months before starting Nigeria dual citizenship application. Also, you needed to live in Nigeria for a combine 15 years in the last 20.
Citizenship of Another Country
It’s clear that Nigerian dual citizenship is attainable. For people looking to become dual citizens, there are a few extra rules and restrictions. For example, Section 28 of the Constitution forbids Nigeria dual citizenship, by means other than birth.
When a person holds citizenship from another country by means other than birth. You’ll also need to forfeit any other citizenship that you have. The exception is citizenship received at birth.
If you’re a dual citizen of Nigeria, there aren’t many limitations. In fact, a person with Nigerian dual citizenship can hold public office.
Opinions amongst the Nigerian people don’t favour the process, though. Many consider the process a damaging force. They believe it slowly destroys the national unity of Nigeria. Those who attain Nigeria dual citizenship should avoid flaunting it as much as possible.
Birth and Marriage
People born before or after the independence of Nigeria in 1960 are citizens by birth. If either your father or mother, belong to an indigenous community, you’re considered a citizen of Nigeria by birth. If at least one of your parents or grandparents are Nigerian, Nigerian citizenship is your birthright.
In terms of marriage, foreign women who are eighteen years old, and who marry a Nigerian citizen are also citizens. Additionally, their children will also be citizens of the country through their father.
It’s an easier process for women to receive citizenship through marriage. Men also can marry to become citizens, but there are several extra steps men will need to do.
Conclusion
Obtaining citizenship in Nigeria isn’t a complicated process for direct descendants. While dual citizenship in Nigeria maintains certain benefits, there are certain regulations that keep a wide majority of people out of the process. The biggest hurdle people will face is living in Nigeria for 15 years.
Nigerian citizenship is especially difficult to obtain for foreigners holding non-birth related citizenship from another country. Fifteen years of residency is a strict requirement that must be met, regardless of which avenue is taken to receive Nigerian citizenship.