How a Foreign Wife Can Gain Nigerian Citizenship by Marriage – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Introduction
Citizenship is a legal bond between an individual and a sovereign state. It confers upon the citizen not only certain rights but also obligations. In Nigeria, the process of acquiring citizenship is governed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and related statutes. One of the lawful pathways for acquiring Nigerian citizenship is through marriage, specifically, when a foreign woman marries a Nigerian man.
This article presents a detailed guide on how a foreign wife can gain Nigerian citizenship through marriage, providing a breakdown of the relevant constitutional provisions, application procedures, eligibility requirements, challenges, and a case study to illustrate the practical application of the law.
1. Understanding the Concept of Citizenship in Nigeria
1.1 Legal Basis of Citizenship
Citizenship in Nigeria is primarily governed by:
Chapter III of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
Immigration Act, 2015
Nigerian Citizenship Act
Nigerian Immigration Regulations, 2017
The Nigerian Constitution provides for three modes of citizenship acquisition:
Citizenship by Birth (Section 25)
Citizenship by Registration (Section 26)
Citizenship by Naturalization (Section 27)
2. Citizenship by Marriage: A Form of Citizenship by Registration
2.1 Section 26(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution
This section states:
“Any woman who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria may be registered as a citizen of Nigeria.”
Thus, a foreign woman married to a Nigerian man is eligible for citizenship by registration.
2.2 Important Clarifications
Only foreign women married to Nigerian men qualify under this section.
The law does not apply to foreign men married to Nigerian women.
The marriage must be valid under Nigerian law.
3. Legal and Documentary Requirements for Application
To apply for Nigerian citizenship by marriage, a foreign wife must:
3.1 Eligibility Criteria
Be married to a Nigerian citizen.
Be of full age and capacity (18 years and above).
Be of good character.
Show intention to be domiciled in Nigeria.
Provide evidence of marriage (religious, customary, or statutory).
Demonstrate residence in Nigeria for a continuous period (usually not less than 12 months prior to application).
Not have criminal records or pose a security threat.
3.2 Required Documents
Applicants typically must submit the following:
Formal application letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Interior.
Completed application form (Form C1) obtainable from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Copy of valid international passport.
Marriage Certificate (issued under Nigerian law).
Sworn affidavit of marriage from a Nigerian High Court.
Sworn affidavit of domicile in Nigeria.
Copy of Nigerian husband’s passport or birth certificate.
Evidence of cohabitation/residence in Nigeria (utility bills, tenancy agreement).
Two passport photographs.
Police clearance certificate from country of origin and Nigeria.
Local Government Certificate of Indigene of the Nigerian husband.
Evidence of tax payment or employment in Nigeria.
4. Application Procedure
4.1 Step-by-Step Process
Compile All Documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and properly certified.
Submit Application:
Application is submitted to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) or the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.
An official fee may be charged (subject to NIS guidelines).
Interview and Verification:
Applicant may be called for an interview.
Immigration officers may visit applicant’s residence to verify the marriage.
Security Clearance:
Background checks are conducted by the State Security Services (SSS) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Approval by the Minister of Interior:
If all conditions are met, the Minister of Interior grants approval.
The applicant is issued a Certificate of Citizenship by Registration.
5. Timeframe and Costs
5.1 Duration
The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, but this varies depending on:
Volume of applications
Completeness of documentation
Security clearance delays
5.2 Application Fees
Fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦350,000 (subject to review).
Fees may vary based on legal assistance, processing location, and additional documentation.
6. Rights of Foreign Wives Who Become Citizens
Once citizenship is granted:
The individual becomes a full Nigerian citizen.
Enjoys rights to vote, work, own land, and hold public office (except for offices limited to citizens by birth).
Entitled to a Nigerian passport.
Eligible for Nigerian national identity number (NIN).
7. Limitations and Legal Challenges
7.1 Discrimination Concerns
The Constitution excludes foreign men married to Nigerian women from the right to apply for citizenship by registration, which has been criticized as discriminatory and a breach of international conventions on gender equality.
7.2 Abuse and Sham Marriages
Some applicants fake marriages to gain citizenship.
Immigration officials now strictly scrutinize marriage authenticity.
7.3 Revocation of Citizenship
Citizenship by registration can be revoked under Section 30 of the Constitution if:
It was obtained fraudulently.
The individual acts disloyally to Nigeria.
The marriage is annulled or found to be fraudulent.
8. Case Study: Citizenship by Marriage – Mrs. Maria Fernandez v. Federal Ministry of Interior
Background
Maria Fernandez, a Spanish citizen, married a Nigerian man in 2016 under the Marriage Act in Lagos. She had been living in Nigeria since 2015 and applied for citizenship in 2019. Her application was delayed for over two years due to security verification bottlenecks.
Legal Issues
Delay in processing the citizenship application.
Allegation of non-cohabitation raised by an anonymous petitioner.
Question over whether her marriage was a “marriage of convenience.”
Resolution
Maria submitted documentary evidence of joint residence, photos, joint accounts, and affidavits from Neighbours.
The Nigerian Immigration Service conducted home verification visits and cleared the application.
The Minister of Interior approved the application in 2022.
Outcome
Maria was issued her Certificate of Citizenship by Registration.
She was issued a Nigerian passport in 2023 and now lives and works in Nigeria.
Key Lessons
Genuine marriages, proper documentation, and consistent legal residence increase success chances.
The system, though slow, is functional and fair when procedures are properly followed.
9. Role of Lawyers in the Citizenship Process
Engaging a Nigerian lawyer is highly recommended to:
Help gather and verify documents.
Draft affidavits and application letters.
Follow up with relevant immigration departments.
Respond to queries or petitions during verification.
10. Impact of International Law and Treaties
Nigeria is signatory to several conventions that indirectly influence its citizenship practices:
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
These instruments advocate gender equality in nationality rights, and ongoing legal reforms in Nigeria may eventually expand the marriage citizenship pathway to cover foreign husbands.
11. Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook
Amend Section 26(2)(a) to include foreign husbands of Nigerian women.
Improve processing timelines and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Create a digital application portal for easier tracking and submission.
Increase public awareness through consulates and embassies.
Train immigration staff on human rights and due process.
Conclusion
Gaining Nigerian citizenship by marriage is a legitimate pathway provided under Section 26 of the 1999 Constitution. While only available to foreign women married to Nigerian men, the process is well-structured and achievable with the right documentation, commitment, and legal support.
As Nigeria continues to interact with global citizens through international marriages, trade, and diplomacy, evolving the framework to embrace gender neutrality, digital efficiency, and fair scrutiny will help strengthen the legal integrity and human rights compliance of the country’s citizenship system.
Are You a Foreign Wife of a Nigerian Citizen Seeking Nigerian Citizenship?
Navigating the process of acquiring Nigerian citizenship through marriage can be complex and time-consuming without the right legal support. At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in immigration and nationality law, helping foreign wives lawfully secure their Nigerian citizenship with confidence and peace of mind.
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