Citizenship by Descent (Section 25 & 26)

The application for Nigerian citizenship by descent is managed through the eCITIBIZ portal, an automated system run by the Ministry of Interior. While the process is digital, you may still be required to attend an in-person interview or provide physical documents for verification.

There are two distinct pathways based on your lineage:

Pathway 1: Citizenship by Confirmation (Section 25)

Use this route if you were born outside Nigeria but at least one of your parents is a citizen of Nigeria. Under the law, you are already a citizen by birth; this process simply confirms your status so you can obtain official documentation.

1. Create an Account: Register on the eCITIBIZ portal.
2. Select Service: Choose the option for Citizenship by Confirmation.
3. Upload Evidence: You must provide your birth certificate and the data page of your parent’s Nigerian passport or their National Identity Number (NIN).
4. Local Government Identification: You will likely need a Letter of Identification from your parent's Local Government Area (LGA). This confirms your indigenship (ancestral belonging to a specific Nigerian community).
5. Payment: Pay the processing fees through the portal’s payment gateway.
6. Review: The Ministry will verify your lineage. Once approved, you will be issued a certificate of confirmation.

Pathway 2: Citizenship by Registration (Section 26)

Use this route if you are 18 or older, were born outside Nigeria, and have a grandparent who is or was a citizen of Nigeria. This status is not automatic and requires approval from the President.

1. Register Online: Create your profile on the eCITIBIZ portal.
2. Select Service: Choose Citizenship by Registration.
3. Submit Documentation: Upload birth certificates for yourself, the relevant parent, and the grandparent to prove the bloodline.
4. Provide Guarantors: You must provide details for two guarantors. These must be Nigerian citizens by birth who hold a high professional or civil service standing.
5. Prove Domicile: You must demonstrate a clear intention to live in Nigeria (e.g., property ownership, a job offer, or a residence permit).
6. Interview: You will be required to attend an interview at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja or a designated consulate to verify your claims.
7. Oath of Allegiance: If your application is recommended for approval, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to Nigeria.
8. Presidential Approval: Your file is sent for final approval by the President before your certificate is issued.

Note for First-Time Passport Applicants: If you are a citizen by birth (parent is Nigerian), you can often apply directly for a Nigerian passport at a consulate (such as London or Atlanta) using your parent's Nigerian passport and your birth certificate. This is often faster than the formal "Confirmation" process.

Fees are paid in Nigerian Naira (₦) through the eCITIBIZ portal.

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately ₦150,000 to ₦300,000, depending on the complexity of the case and whether an inspection is required.

This does not include: Costs for obtaining Local Government "indigene" certificates, courier fees, travel for interviews, or legal fees if using a representative.

• Citizenship by Confirmation (Parental Link): Expect a timeline of 3 to 6 months. This is an administrative verification of your existing rights.
• Citizenship by Registration (Grandparental Link): Expect a timeline of 6 to 12+ months. This requires deeper background checks and final approval from the President's office.
• Document Validity: Ensure your foreign birth certificates are legalized or apostilled if required. Your guarantors' Nigerian passports must be valid at the time of the application.