Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Nigeria authorities. Essential for citizens of Nigeria living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Nigeria consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Nigeria parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Nigeria nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Nigeria citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Nigeria nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Nigeria
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Nigeria
- Passport and ID of the Nigeria citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Nigeria consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Nigeria civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Nigeria can take additional months.