NIGERIA: Residence Permit Renewals Will Require National Identification Number

September 20, 2017


1st January 2018 is the deadline for foreign nationals legally residing in Nigeria to obtain a National Identity Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Without a NIN, a foreign national will not be able to obtain or renew a long-term work and residence permit.

Background

On 1st August 2017, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), announced that, as of 1st January 2018, no international passport or residence permit would be issued by the NIS without the applicant providing a National Identity Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission upon enrolment in the National Identity Database.

NIMC staff are to be deployed to NIS and other government offices to facilitate enrolment and the issuance of National Identity Numbers. Full details of the implementation of this policy have not yet been released.

Enrolment consists of the recording of an individual’s personal data and capture of fingerprints, a head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature.

Our Advice

Employers of long-term foreign residents in Nigeria should ensure their employees obtain a National Identity Number by 1st October 2017 to avoid problems renewing their permits.

For advice and information on Nigerian immigration in general, please email us at [email protected].

This information was provided by our sister company, Peregrine Immigration Management.