Obtaining dual citizenship legally in Nigeria is possible under certain conditions, as outlined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (Section 25-27). Here’s how you can legally acquire dual citizenship in Nigeria:
1. By Birth (Automatic Dual Citizenship)
- If you are born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents, you are automatically a Nigerian citizen.
- If you are born outside Nigeria but have at least one Nigerian parent or grandparent, you automatically qualify for Nigerian citizenship by descent.
- If the country of birth allows citizenship by birth, you may hold dual citizenship automatically.
2. By Naturalization (For Foreigners)
If you are a foreign national and wish to acquire Nigerian citizenship while retaining your original nationality, you must:
- Have resided in Nigeria for at least 15 years.
- Demonstrate good character and integration into Nigerian society.
- Be financially stable and able to contribute to Nigeria.
- Apply for naturalization through the Federal Ministry of Interior.
However, Nigeria does not allow dual citizenship for individuals who acquire Nigerian citizenship through naturalization. You must renounce your original nationality unless your home country permits dual citizenship.
3. By Registration (For Nigerians by Descent)
- If you are of Nigerian descent (i.e., your parents or grandparents were Nigerian), but you were born outside Nigeria, you can apply for citizenship by registration.
- This is only available to those of Nigerian origin who want to reclaim Nigerian citizenship.
4. Retaining Nigerian Citizenship While Acquiring Another
- If you are a Nigerian by birth, you can legally acquire another country’s citizenship without losing your Nigerian citizenship.
- The Nigerian Constitution permits dual citizenship for those who are Nigerians by birth, even if they acquire another nationality voluntarily.
5. Renunciation or Restoration of Citizenship
- If a Nigerian voluntarily renounces citizenship and later wishes to regain it, they can apply for restoration of citizenship.
- Approval is subject to the Nigerian government’s discretion.
Key Points to Note
✅ Dual citizenship is legal for Nigerians by birth.
✅ If you acquire Nigerian citizenship through naturalization, you must renounce your previous nationality.
✅ If you are a foreigner and want Nigerian citizenship while keeping your original nationality, you must have Nigerian ancestry.
