Faq for Citizenship in Nigeria

FAQ FOR CITIZENSHIP IN NIGERIA eCitibiz.interior.gov.ng

https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

Que: HOW DO I HAVE ACCESS TO ECITIBIZ PORTAL? Ans: You need to register with a valid email address and a valid phone number.

Que: I’VE FORGOTTEN MY PASSWORD. WHAT DO I DO? Ans: Access the ‘Forgot Your Password’ page by clicking on the link on the login screen and follow the prompts.

Que: HOW DO I CHANGE MY PASSWORD? Ans: For you to change your password, you must be logged in.

Que: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BECOME NATURALIZED NIGERIAN CITIZEN? Ans: Until reports from all relevant agencies are submitted and processed.

The Application will be sent to the Federal Executive Council for approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

QUE: HOW CAN I BECOME A NIGERIAN CITIZEN? Ans: There are three (3) ways for foreigners to obtain Nigerian citizenship A. Naturalization An individual must be at least 18 years of age and has resided in Nigeria for at least 15 years.

Is of good character Plans to remain in Nigeria Is familiar with Nigerian language and customs Has a viable means of support B. Registration This applies to any woman who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria; or every person of full age and capacity born outside Nigeria any of whose grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria.

C. Confirmation This applies to every person born in Nigeria after the date of independence either of whose parents or any of whose grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria; and Every person born outside Nigeria either of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

Que: WHAT IS CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION? Ans: According to section 27 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). It is a facility given to foreigner who has • Resided in Nigeria for a continuous period of fifteen years; or • Resided in Nigeria continuously for a period of twelve months, and during the period of twenty years immediately preceding that period of twelve months has resided in Nigeria for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years.

Subject to the president’s Approval.

Que: CAN ONE CHANGE HIS/HER NAME WHEN THEY NATURALIZE? Ans: Yes. If you provide proof that you have already changed your name according the legal requirement of a person living in your state. Or if you are going to take the Oath of Allegiance of a Naturalization ceremony that is held in court, you may ask the court to change your name. if the court grants your request, your new name will appear in your certificate of Naturalization. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

Que: WHAT CAN I DO IF MY APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION IS DENIED? Ans: You will need to address and revisit the reasons given accordingly, then you may reapply, but you will need to complete a new application form on the portal and pay the fees again. All previously required documents will still be provided.

Que: WHAT DO I DO IF I LOSE MY CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION? Ans: If a naturalized citizen lose his/her certificate, he/she can apply for Certified True Copy (CTC) with proof of loss (Police Report) and pay the necessary fees.

Que: WHO IS A NIGERIAN ?

Ans: Subject to the provisions of section 28 of the Constitution, every person born in Nigeria after the date of Independence (October 1st 1960), either of whose parents or any of whose grandparents belongs or belonged to a community indigenous to Nigeria; 1) Provided that a person shall not become a citizen of Nigeria by virtue of this section if neither of his parents nor any of his grandparents was born in Nigeria. Or, 2) Every person born outside Nigeria either of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

Que: WHAT IS RENUNCIATION OF NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP? Ans: According to section 29 of Nigerian constitution, this is a facility given to Nigerian citizen who wants to take up citizenship of another nationality.

Que: CAN I CONTACT MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF CITIZENSHIP AND BUSINESS TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION? Ans: No. Please check your status online. Once your application is approved or rejected, a message will be sent to your registered phone number and email address.

Que: I ENTERED ONE OR MORE OF MY PERSONAL INFORMATION INCORRECTLY. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Ans: Applicants are advised to ensure that the information provided is correct before submitting their application. If you submitted incorrect information, contact us at Info@ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng or call +234 (0) 908 5899991 or +234 (0) 908 589 9992 if need be. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng

QUE: I HAVE COMPLETED MY APPLICATION AND MADE PAYMENT BUT THERE IS NO EMAIL OR PHONE CONFIRMATION STATING WHETHER IT IS SUCCESSFUL OR NOT. WHAT DO I DO? Ans: In case you do not receive any confirmation email from us, Please check your SPAM or JUNK mail folder before contacting us. If you still don’t get the confirmation email, Please contact us at info@ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng or Call +234 (0) 908 589 9991 or +234 (0) 908 589 9992.

QUE: DO I GET A REFUND IF MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED? Ans: Payment of the processing fee does not guarantee approval of the service you are applying for. Unfortunately, we are not able to refund as we have clearly stated in our Terms & Conditions.

QUE: WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR ALL THE SERVICES? Ans: Under normal circumstance, processing can take up to 7days, though it can be earlier. Therefore it is advisable to apply early. https://ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng