This article is for a child born in Nigeria who is joining a parent abroad. That makes it different from a child born abroad. The job here is to get the child's papers in order before the move.
We found no single order published by NIMC, NPC or NIS for the three papers. NPC's online registration route is open to children born in Nigeria with a NIN, at least one Nigerian parent, and one parent who already has a valid birth certificate, so the certificate and the NIN can depend on each other. Ask each office what it needs first.
The birth certificate
NIS's list for a minor is an NPC birth certificate (for children born in Nigeria), a consent letter from either parent and proof of a parent's Nigerian citizenship. So if your child was born in Nigeria, the NPC birth certificate is the first paper to check. NPC registers births for children aged 0 to 17.
If your child has no certificate yet, start with documents needed to register a birth. If the child is past the deadline, late birth registration covers the position. How to register a birth online covers the portal route.
The child's NIN
NIMC enrolment is free at approved centres. Legit.ng has reported NIMC saying that any demand for payment there is illegal. Premium enrolment is a separate paid option.
Passport applications start with a NIN, and NIS takes personal details from the applicant's NIMC (NIN) record. Our post on why passport renewal needs your NIN to match covers the renewal check.
The passport
NIS's minor list includes a consent letter from either parent, and proof of a parent's Nigerian citizenship. The child's photo is endorsed on the back by the consenting parent. NIS's summary adds that minors show their parents' passports and permission.
An adopted child also needs a court order and a letter of approval from the State Ministry of Women and Child Development. Embassies may apply their own rules abroad.
NIS's photo rules ask for a recent colour photo on a white or off-white background, without glasses, at least 600 x 800 pixels. For a fresh application, NIS's service standards list a target of 42 days after successful enrolment. The same document gives 21 days on its correction-of-data row, so its figures do not agree. Treat it as NIS's own target, not a promise, and leave a margin before any travel date.
If a parent is abroad, ask NIS how that parent should sign the letter and whether it must be sworn or notarised. A Nigerian embassy or high commission official of the rank of secretary or above can take affidavits and do notarial acts.
Where to apply
Inside Nigeria, NIS's booking portal lists 51 passport centres, with dates at appointments.immigration.gov.ng/availability. The earliest dates change daily, so check again before you book.
Abroad, apply at the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate. The contactless route is not open to a minor. NIS says it is not for first-time applicants and minors. Nigerian passport fees for Nigerians abroad sets out the diaspora fees.
Keep these together
- The child's NPC birth certificate.
- The child's NIN slip.
- A parent's passport and proof of Nigerian citizenship.
- The consent letter signed by either parent.
- Adoption papers, if they apply.
Common mistakes
- Applying for the passport before the birth certificate exists.
- Forgetting proof of a parent's Nigerian citizenship.
- Assuming the parent abroad can sign without asking NIS what form the letter must take.
- Booking a centre without checking the appointment portal.
If your child was born abroad instead, see documents for a Nigerian child born abroad. The diaspora and life events hub has the wider series.