It is the responsibility of every citizen of a country to know their civic rights and what to expect from the government in return. The Civic Education Pamphlet is a document that provides individuals with engaging information and facts on the civic responsibilities, virtues, citizenship and expectations of the Nigerian. The pamphlet is filled with relevant details to equipped anyone interested in Nigeria with constitutionally-based knowledge.

How can one become a citizen of Nigeria?

Answer: You can become a citizen of Nigeria either by birth, registration or by naturalIsation.

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, dated 1989. Those born before or on the date of independence, October 1, 1960, whose parents or grandparents were born in Nigeria and who were legally residing in Nigeria at the time, are considered citizens of Nigeria.

 

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Nigeria does not automatically confer citizenship. BY DESCENT: Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria, regardless of the child’s country of birth.

BY REGISTRATION: The following persons are eligible to become citizens through registration: A foreign woman who marries a citizen of Nigeria. Person who is of adult age (17), born outside Nigeria, any of whose grandparents is or was a citizen of Nigeria. A foreign child adopted by Nigerian parents.

 BY NATURALISATION: Nigerian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions:

• Person is of full age (18)
• Individual has resided in Nigeria for at least 15 years,
• Individual is of good character, plans to remain in Nigeria, is familiar with Nigerian language and customs
• Individual has a viable means of support, and has renounced previous citizenship.

Nigerian nationality law allows dual nationality of people of Nigerian descent either through birth or parentage. They are also allowed to hold public office in Nigeria