How to Claim Nigerian Citizenship for Your Children as a Woman

Many Nigerian women living abroad worry that they may not be able to pass their nationality on to their children. 

Under Section 25(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, any child born outside the country to either a Nigerian mother or father automatically qualifies as a Nigerian citizen. 

This gender‑neutral rule ensures that mothers have the same legal right as fathers to secure nationality for their children born abroad.

Citizenship Rights Are Truly Gender‑Neutral

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution spells out citizenship by birth in clear, inclusive terms. Section 25(1)(b) and (c) state that anyone born in Nigeria after independence, or born outside Nigeria to either a Nigerian father or mother, is a citizen by birth.

Complementing this, Section 42(2) guarantees that no Nigerian shall face discrimination on grounds including gender. Together, these articles affirm that a mother’s ability to confer citizenship is identical to a father’s.

Gathering the Right Documents

Before approaching an embassy or consulate, mothers should prepare carefully. Key documents include the child’s foreign birth certificate listing the mother’s name, the mother’s valid Nigerian passport or National Identity Number (NIN), and recent passport‑style photographs of the child.

It is crucial that names, dates, and places of birth match across all papers. Where documents are in a language other than English, certified translations should accompany the originals.

Having neatly organised packets of originals and clear photocopies will help consular staff process applications efficiently.

Navigating the Registration Process

With documents in hand, the next step is to visit the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. Some diplomatic missions offer online appointment scheduling, while others accept applications by mail.

At the mission, mothers present their paperwork and complete Form C‑BB,the official Citizenship by Birth application. This form requests basic details about the child’s birth and the parent’s Nigerian citizenship; no section asks whether the parent is a mother or father, reflecting the law’s gender‑neutral approach.

Consular officers review the submission, explain any follow‑up steps, and provide a receipt. A modest fee, typically between USD 50 and 100, covers processing and registry updates.

Waiting for Approval and Receiving Documentation

Once the embassy forwards the application to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on volume and completeness of records.

Upon approval, the child’s name is officially entered into Nigeria’s national citizenship register. The embassy issues a formal Certificate of Citizenship, which serves as proof of nationality.

Mothers may then apply for a Nigerian passport for their child, enabling travel, access to public services, and formal recognition of their dual status.

Dual Nationality and Future Choices

Children registered under Section 25 enjoy dual citizenship until they reach adulthood. Nigerian law allows them, upon turning 18, to decide whether to retain both nationalities or renounce Nigerian citizenship under Section 29.

Many families find dual status advantageous,opening doors to education, healthcare, and business opportunities in both countries.

Mothers should discuss these options with their children as they approach legal adulthood, ensuring informed choices that align with personal and professional goals.

Overcoming Misconceptions and Barriers

Despite clear laws, misinformation persists, sometimes even among public figures. Mothers may encounter consular delays, requests for unnecessary documents, or clerical errors that threaten to stall their applications.

To overcome such hurdles, it helps to arrive well prepared, follow up persistently, and seek support from diaspora groups or legal aid clinics if needed.

Public education campaigns, by Nigerian missions, community organisations, and online forums, can play a vital role in debunking myths and guiding families through the process smoothly.