Nigeria does not run a consular civil register abroad. Births, marriages and deaths that happen in the United States are recorded by the U.S. authorities, and Nigerian offices work from those documents once they have been certified. What the missions provide instead is identification, attestation and travel documentation.
Quick facts
The document that matters most for families is the national identification number. It gates the passport, and enrolment for it is offered by missions that have the equipment.
Fees breakdown
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identification number enrolment | Mission tariff | Where the post offers it |
| Attestation of a U.S. civil document | Mission tariff | After state certification |
| Emergency travel certificate | Mission tariff | Single journey to Nigeria |
| U.S. certificate of the event | $15–$50 | County or state office |
| Birth registration in Nigeria | Charged there | National population commission |
Where a Nigerian birth certificate is needed for a person born abroad, that registration is handled in Nigeria rather than at a consulate.
How to file
- Order the U.S. certificate of the event from the county or state office.
- Have it certified by the Secretary of State of that state.
- Ask the Nigerian authority receiving it whether consular attestation is also required.
- Book an appointment at the mission for attestation or for identification enrolment.
- Attend with originals, copies and the fee.
- Keep the certified set together for later use in passport or family files.
Required documents
- U.S. certificate of the event, original and copies.
- Nigerian parent’s or spouse’s passport.
- Identification number slips where available.
- Proof of U.S. address.
- Marriage certificate where the file depends on it.
- Completed application for the service requested.
Where to file
At the embassy or one of the consulates, which are the only posts with full consular capability in the United States.
Additional notes
Identification first
Without the identification number nothing else moves, so treat enrolment as the first step rather than a formality alongside the passport.
Emergency travel
Where a passport has been lost and travel cannot wait, the mission issues a certificate valid for a single journey to Nigeria.
Deaths abroad
Repatriation involves the U.S. death certificate, the funeral director’s documentation and mission clearance. Missions explain the sequence and issue what they can.
Keep originals safe
Because there is no consular register to fall back on, the U.S. originals are the only record. Store certified copies separately.