Eligibility Quiz
Have you ever committed a war crime, a crime against peace, or a crime against humanity?
Application Process
The asylum process in Nigeria is managed by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). You must submit your application in person within Nigeria; there is no way to apply for refugee status from abroad.
Step 1: Arrival and Declaration
As soon as you enter Nigeria, you must present yourself to an NIS officer at any port of entry (airport, land border, or sea port) or visit the nearest NCFRMI office immediately. You must state clearly that you wish to seek asylum. It is critical to do this as soon as possible, as long delays can lead officials to doubt the credibility of your claim.
Step 2: Referral and Registration
The NIS will refer you to the NCFRMI. You will undergo a registration process where officers will capture your personal data and biometric information (fingerprints and digital photos). During this stage, you will be issued an Asylum Seeker Certificate, which serves as your temporary legal ID in Nigeria.
Step 3: The Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Interview
You will be scheduled for a formal interview with NCFRMI officers. This is your opportunity to explain your "well-founded fear" of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group.
- Language: If you do not speak English fluently, you have a legal right to an interpreter (a person who translates speech) at no cost. Do not start the interview if you cannot understand the officer.
- Evidence: Bring any documents that support your story, such as police reports, medical records, or news articles from your home country.
Step 4: Review and Recommendation
Your case file is sent to the Eligibility Committee. They will review your interview notes and evidence to decide if you meet the legal definition of a refugee under the NCFRMI Act 2022 and international conventions.
Step 5: Final Decision
The Federal Commissioner makes the final decision based on the committee's recommendation.
- If Approved: You will be issued a formal Refugee Identity Card.
- If Denied: You have the right to appeal the decision to the Refugee Appeal Board. You must file this appeal within the timeframe stated in your rejection letter.
Fees
The entire asylum application and registration process is free of charge. The Nigerian government and UNHCR provide these services at no cost to ensure protection for those in need.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Asylum Application Form | Free |
| Biometric Registration | Free |
| RSD Interview & Interpretation | Free |
| Asylum Seeker Certificate | Free |
| Refugee Identity Card | Free |
| Total Estimate | 0 NGN |
Note: This does not include personal costs such as transportation to NCFRMI offices, professional translation of foreign-language documents (if you choose to provide your own), or legal fees if you hire a private lawyer for an appeal.
Processing Time
The timeline for asylum claims can vary based on the number of people applying at the same time, but the following are the standard targets:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial Decision | 3 to 6 months |
| Appeals Process | 1 to 6 months |
| Asylum Seeker Certificate Validity | Varies (check the expiry date on the card) |
Important Note on Document Validity: Your Asylum Seeker Certificate is a temporary document. You are responsible for visiting an NCFRMI office to renew it before it expires. If you let it expire, you may lose your legal protection and access to services. Once you are granted full refugee status, your Refugee Identity Card will allow you to live and work in Nigeria and access primary healthcare and education.