Many Nigerians abroad reach a point where they can apply for citizenship in their new country. Then the question comes: “Will I lose my Nigerian citizenship?” The answer depends on how you became Nigerian and which country you’re naturalising in.
What Nigerian Law Says
Under the Nigerian Constitution, a citizen of Nigeria by birth can hold the citizenship of another country without losing Nigerian citizenship. This means most Nigerians born to Nigerian parents can become British, American, Canadian or another nationality and remain Nigerian.
However, people who became Nigerian by registration or naturalisation may lose Nigerian citizenship if they acquire another nationality. If this applies to you, get legal advice before applying abroad.
What the Other Country Says
Nigeria allowing dual citizenship is only half the picture. The country you’re naturalising in must also allow it.
- United Kingdom: allows dual citizenship.
- United States: allows dual citizenship, although new citizens take an oath of allegiance.
- Canada: allows dual citizenship.
- Ireland: allows dual citizenship.
- Germany: now generally allows dual citizenship after recent reforms.
- Some European countries, such as the Netherlands and Austria, restrict dual citizenship with limited exceptions.
- Gulf countries rarely grant citizenship to foreigners and generally don’t allow dual nationality.
Always confirm the current rules for your specific country, as laws change.
Benefits of Keeping Your Nigerian Citizenship
- Enter Nigeria freely without visas
- Own land and property with fewer complications
- Access Nigerian banking, investment and business registration more easily
- Keep voting rights and constitutional protections
- Maintain cultural and legal ties to home
Keeping Your Nigerian Passport Valid
Holding Nigerian citizenship doesn’t mean your passport renews itself. Renew it before it expires through the Nigerian embassy, high commission or approved passport services abroad. The Nigeria Immigration Service provides official information on passport applications and renewals.
Travelling With Two Passports
Dual citizens should follow a few practical rules:
- Enter and leave your new country using its passport, where required.
- Enter and leave Nigeria using your Nigerian passport, where possible.
- Use the same passport for booking a flight as you show at check-in.
- Keep your names and dates of birth consistent across both passports.
Name mismatches between passports are a common cause of travel problems and should be fixed early.
Your Children’s Citizenship
Children born abroad to Nigerian parents are generally Nigerian by birth. Registering their births and getting Nigerian passports for them can make future travel, property ownership and residence back home easier.
Tax and Legal Obligations
Dual citizenship can come with obligations. US citizens, for example, are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live. Understand the tax and legal implications of each citizenship you hold.
Should You Naturalise?
For many Nigerians, citizenship abroad brings stability, easier travel, voting rights and protection from immigration changes. Since Nigerians by birth can keep their Nigerian nationality, the main question is whether your new country allows dual citizenship and whether the costs and requirements make sense for you.
Renouncing Nigerian Citizenship
Some people choose to renounce Nigerian citizenship, for example because their new country requires it. Renunciation is a formal legal process and should not be taken lightly, as regaining citizenship later may be difficult. If your new country doesn’t allow dual nationality, weigh the benefits of that citizenship against losing your Nigerian rights, including land ownership and visa-free entry.
Update Your Records Back Home
After naturalising, check that your Nigerian bank records, NIN, BVN and property documents still match your details. If your name changed through marriage or naturalisation, update records with supporting documents to avoid future problems.
Final Thoughts
If you’re Nigerian by birth, you can usually become a citizen of another country and remain Nigerian. Check your new country’s rules, keep your Nigerian passport up to date and manage both identities carefully for smooth travel.