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Discover essential migration information about Nigeria !

OVERVIEW
Discover essential information about Nigeria

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a coast on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Neighbouring countries include Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The geography ranges from southern coastal swamps to tropical forests, woodlands, grasslands, and semi-desert in the north. Nigeria is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

Nigeria is the most populous country on the African continent, with over 200 million people. It is a diverse nation with over 250 ethnic groups, each contributing to its rich cultural landscape. The country is divided into 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which serves as the capital city. Lagos, the commercial capital, is one of the largest cities in Africa and a hub for finance, technology, and culture. 

Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa, driven by sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, and services. Nigeria's strategic location, abundant resources, and vibrant entrepreneurial culture makes it an attractive destination for business and career opportunities. 

Are you instead looking for information on going from Nigeria to another country? Click here

ABOUT NIGERIA
Working and living in Nigeria

Working and living in Nigeria can be rewarding and challenging. The cost of living varies significantly depending on the city; Lagos and Abuja are among the most expensive places to live, while other cities offer more affordable options. Nigeria has a vibrant social scene, with numerous restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events, particularly in urban areas.

REQUIREMENTS
Entering Nigeria
By preparing well and staying informed, young people from across Africa and the Middle East can have a rewarding experience studying or working in Nigeria. Start preparing on WakaWell today!

Do I need a passport to enter Nigeria? 

Nationals from specific countries can enter Nigeria using a valid national ID card instead of a passport. This applies to member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.  

Citizens of these ECOWAS countries can travel to Nigeria using a valid national ID card, making cross-border travel easier within the region. 

For citizens of other countries, a valid passport is generally required to enter Nigeria.  

Where can foreign nationals find legal assistance in Nigeria?

Foreign nationals in Nigeria can access legal assistance through various channels: 

  1. Law firms specializing in immigration: Many law firms in Nigeria specialize in immigration law and can assist with visa applications, work permits, residence permits, and other related legal matters. It is advisable to consult reputable firms with a proven track record of dealing with expatriate issues. 
  2. International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria legal hubs: IOM Nigeria provides support and information services to migrants, including legal guidance, through legal hubs established in partnership with state governments in Lagos, Edo, and Delta States. The hub provides counselling and referral services. 
  3. Embassies and consulates: Foreign nationals can also seek legal assistance or guidance from their home country's embassy or consulate in Nigeria. They often provide support in cases of legal disputes, documentation issues, or emergencies. 
  4. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS): The NIS is the official body responsible for immigration matters in Nigeria. They provide information on visa regulations, residence permits, and other migration-related services. 
  5. NGOs and international organizations: Organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international bodies may offer legal aid or advisory services to migrants, particularly those seeking asylum or refugee status. 

Do I need a visa to enter Nigeria?

Only citizens of ECOWAS/CEDEAO-member countries, Chad and Cameroon can enter Nigeria visa-free. Like everyone else, they need a passport valid for at least six months and two blank pages for the stamps. 

The Visa-Free or Visa Exemption Policy applies to travellers holding specific documents that eliminate the need to undergo rigorous visa application procedures before visiting Nigeria. There are four classes of travellers in this group: 

  • F1A - ECOWAS member states 

Under the ECOWAS/CEDEAO Free Movement Protocol, citizens of the Economic Community of West African States do not require a visa to enter Nigeria. This policy applies to travellers from Benin Republic,Burkina Faso,Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia , Ghana , Guinea , Guinea Bissau , Liberia , Mali , Niger Republic , Senegal , Sierra Leone , and Togo.  

  • F1B - Visa Abolition Agreement countries 

Due to the Visa Abolition Agreement between Nigeria and other bordering countries, citizens of Cameroon and Chad can travel to Nigeria visa-free under the F1B policy. 

  • F1C - Visa waiver for international organizations 

Visitors with travel document from major international organizations will be granted visa-free entry from authorized airports of entry into Nigeria. The organizations recognized by the Federal Republic of Nigeria include the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). 

  • F1D - Reciprocity Visa Waiver Agreement countries 

Diplomatic and official passport holders from countries with Reciprocity Visa Waiver Agreements with Nigeria may be eligible for visa-free entry into Nigeria through authorized entry ports. As of October 2020, the countries officially listed under the F1D policy include: 

Africa: 
Kenya(Diplomatic Passport Only), Mauritius , Namibia , Rwanda , South Africa , Sudan , Tanzania 
 
Latin America: 
Brazil , Cuba , Venezuela 
 
Middle East: 
Turkey 
 
Asia: 
China , Singapore 
  

Travellers from groups F1A and F1B may obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at any immigration port of entry into Nigeria. For applicants under F1C  and  F1D,  Visa On Arrival (VoA) may be issued only at designated airports. 

Please contact the nearest Nigerian Consular Mission for advice. 

Visas issued under the Visa-Free Policy are single-entry and valid for a maximum duration of 90 days. 

What do I need to work in Nigeria?

Foreign nationals seeking to work in Nigeria must obtain the appropriate work visa or permit. The process usually involves securing employment with a Nigerian company that sponsors the visa application. Most foreign workers in Nigeria are in sectors like oil and gas, finance, technology, telecommunications, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  

Labour laws in Nigeria mandate that foreign workers have a valid work permit, and employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. The work culture in Nigeria can be formal, with an emphasis on respect, hierarchy, and building relationships. Business practices may vary depending on the industry and location but being adaptable and culturally sensitive is key. 

How do I apply for a Nigerian visa?

General requirements 

The following visa requirements apply to all visa categories processed through any Nigerian Consular Mission and/or Nigeria Visa Application Center.  

Before the online visa application, ensure you have the following 

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages for endorsement. 
  • Booked return air ticket (for Short Visit Visas - maximum of 90 days stay). 
  • Booked hotel/other documentary evidence of accommodation. Or a Letter of Invitation from a company/host in Nigeria accepting immigration responsibility. 
  • Visitors/Tourists/Businesses/Investors are required to show evidence of sufficient funds. 
  • Any other requirement by the Nigeria Consular Mission or Visa Application Center. 

After the online visa application 

  • Print out the completed online visa form which contains your details. 
  • Print out your Payment Receipt and Visa Acknowledgement Receipt. 
  • 2 passport sized photographs (35/40mm) with white background with neither head covers nor face covers. 
  • Physical appearance for an interview may be required for a first-time applicant. 

Basic visa procedure 

As with visa applications for other countries, begin by determining the type of visa that best suits your purpose in Nigeria. Under the new Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 - Visa Mandatory Policy, there are 75 specific visa classes to choose from and it is important that you apply for the visa type that corresponds with your purpose in Nigeria. Deciding on the right visa will eliminate the worry of illegal activity in the country. 

After you sort that out, your next steps will depend on which Visa Channel you choose to apply through. However, the general steps are as follows:   

1. Gather requirements 

Verify your eligibility for your chosen visa type. Do a requirement checklist and confirm with the Nigerian Mission or Visa Application Center in your country of domicile. 

2. Apply online 

Visit the Visa Section of the Nigerian Immigration Portal, create an account or log in with an existing account to fill the Online Visa Form and print the final confirmation page. Proceed to make the online payment and print out the Payment Acknowledgement slip. 

3. Submit documents 

If you are not applying for an  eVisa or Visa on Arrival, submit the application to the nearest Nigerian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or Visa Application Center in your country of domicile. 

After you complete the stages above, there might be an interview appointment for first time applicants, depending on the visa applied for. The interview is the last stage of the visa process. 

Click here for more on  visa procedures.

How long does it take to get a Nigerian visa?

Typically, it takes 2-5 working days to process a Nigerian visa, depending on the visa type, the location where the visa is being processed, and the sensitivity of the visa applicant's purpose. For example, a Business or Investor Visa takes longer to process than a Tourist Visa

Requirements