Over 1,000 foreigners granted Nigerian citizenship between 2017 and 2023

The Nigerian Federal Government conferred citizenship on at least 1,006 foreign nationals between 2017 and 2023, with naturalisation and registration carried out through a combination of public investiture ceremonies and administrative procedures.

The investiture events, usually conducted by the Ministry of Interior and presided over by the President or Vice President, were paused for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bureaucratic delays but resumed in 2022 and 2023.

In May 2017, 335 foreigners received certificates from President Muhammadu Buhari.

245 were by naturalisation (after at least 15 years of lawful residence), 90 by registration (spouses and children of Nigerian citizens).

Among recipients: Lara Fortes, Ethiopian-born wife of ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

In September 2022, 286 new citizens received certificates. The list included 86 Lebanese, 14 Britons, and 4 Americans. 208 by naturalisation, 78 by registration.

In May 2023, 385 applicants were conferred citizenship, the ceremony was presided over by then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, just two days before Buhari left office.

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Citizenship Act authorize the President, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to grant Nigerian citizenship by:

Applications are handled by the Citizenship Division of the Ministry of Interior, with security vetting by the DSS, and final approval by the Federal Executive Council. Successful applicants take the Oath of Allegiance and receive their certificates and Nigerian passports.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, no public ceremonies have been held.

However, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has confirmed that several applicants are undergoing final DSS background checks, indicating future ceremonies may occur soon.