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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Nigeria"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ni-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ni-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ni-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ni-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ni_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ni_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Durbar_5.jpg/800px-Durbar_5.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bida durbar festival, Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Durbar_5.jpg/800px-Durbar_5.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bida durbar festival.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nigeria_%288406369172%29.jpg/800px-A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nigeria_%288406369172%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Women and baby in northern Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nigeria_%288406369172%29.jpg/800px-A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nigeria_%288406369172%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/AbujaNationalMosque.jpg/800px-AbujaNationalMosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Abuja National Mosque, Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6205/6120856194_793842ac27.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' A group of children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5258/5453878931_dac3c67892.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6065/6126176975_9a2e3fb03b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Banana and plantain market at Ikire, Osun.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2410/2363479089_f08f0f2033.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of Lagos, Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/AbujaNationalMosque.jpg/800px-AbujaNationalMosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Abuja National Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Ibadan_street_scene.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Market scene in Ibadan, Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5258/5453878931_dac3c67892.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Kanogate2.jpg/800px-Kanogate2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' New Gate to the palace of the Emir of Zaria, Nigeria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2410/2363479089_f08f0f2033.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of Lagos.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5048/5373803995_8b71db4c16.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A baby receiving the polio vaccine through the Gates Foundation.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Ibadan_street_scene.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Market scene in Ibadan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Kanogate2.jpg/800px-Kanogate2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' New Gate to the palace of the Emir of Zaria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5135/5453878905_8322546316.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A mother and her newborn premature baby.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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=Nigeria Adoption Alert=
 
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Adoption Notice for Nigeria (April 26, 2013)'''
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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Adoption and guardianship decrees from Nigerian states that lack adoption laws, and adoptions by persons of non-Nigerian heritage, may not be allowable under Nigerian law or acceptable for purposes of U.S. immigration.
+
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
  
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The Department of State is aware of instances in which U.S. citizens have sought or are seeking to pursue adoptions in Nigerian states that lack adoption laws.  These states include all northern states, with the exception of Plateau State and Nasarawa State.  It is unclear whether any adoption or guardianship orders originating in these states can legally occur.  Therefore, such orders presented to the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, as part of an [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] filing or visa application, will likely require further investigation.  More information on adoption investigations conducted by the U.S. Consulate General, including approximate wait times, can be found here.
+
=About Nigeria=
  
 +
British influence and control over what would become [[Nigeria]] and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted [[Nigeria]] greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was [[adopted]] in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. To learn more please read [[About Nigeria]].
  
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Adoption laws in Nigeria are complex.  Even in states in which adoption laws exist, specific requirements can differ from state to state.  All Nigerian states that have adoption laws require the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) to be a Nigerian citizen.  As a result, adoptions by non-Nigerians may not be acceptable for purposes of U.S. immigration.
 
  
 +
=Nigeria Adoption Alert=
  
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The Department advises U.S. citizens interested in pursuing an adoption from Nigeria to research U.S. immigration laws and the relevant Nigerian federal and state laws and procedures by consulting with a reputable, licensed agency or experienced facilitator in the United States, and with the appropriate state social welfare office (usually named the State Ministry of Women’s or Family Affairs) in Nigeria.  
+
There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts over the years for [[Nigeria]]. To learn more please read the [[Nigeria Adoption Alert]] page.
  
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Adoption Notice for Nigeria (January 29, 2013)'''
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[[Nigeria]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [https://www.uscis.gov/ Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F]. To learn more please read about [[Nigeria and the Hague Convention]].
  
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Adoption and guardianship decrees from Nigerian states that lack adoption laws, and adoptions by persons of non-Nigerian heritage, may not be allowable under Nigerian law or acceptable for purposes of U.S. immigration.
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
 +
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Nigeria]]. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Adopt from Nigeria]].
  
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The Department of State is aware of instances in which U.S. citizens have sought or are seeking to pursue adoptions in Nigerian states that lack adoption laws.  These states include all northern states, with the exception of Plateau State and Nasarawa State.  It is unclear whether any adoption or guardianship orders originating in these states can legally occur.  Therefore, such orders presented to the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, as part of an [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] filing or visa application, will likely require further investigation.  More information on adoption investigations conducted by the U.S. Consulate General, including approximate wait times, can be found here.
 
  
 +
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Adoption laws in Nigeria are complex. Even in states in which adoption laws exist, specific requirements can differ from state to state.  All Nigerian states that have adoption laws, with the sole exception of Lagos State, require the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) to be of Nigerian heritage. As a result, non-Nigerians are not allowed to [[adopt]] in most states.   
+
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Nigeria]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Nigeria]].  
 +
   
  
 +
=How to Adopt=
  
−
The Department advises U.S. citizens interested in pursuing an adoption from Nigeria to research U.S. immigration laws and the relevant Nigerian federal and state laws and procedures by consulting with a reputable, licensed agency or experienced facilitator in the United States, and with the appropriate state social welfare office (usually named the State Ministry of Women’s or Family Affairs) in Nigeria. 
+
==Adoption Authority==
  
 +
'''[[Nigeria]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
The Magistrate Court (from the state where the child resides)
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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==The Process==
  
 +
The process for adopting a child from [[Nigeria]] generally includes the following steps:
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
 +
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child
 +
# [[Adopt]] (or gain [[custody]] of) the child in [[Nigeria]]
 +
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
 +
# Bring your child home
  
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==Residency==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Nigeria]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Income==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Other==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Nigeria]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Nigeria]].
  
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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=After Adoption=
  
 +
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=How to Adopt=
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Nigeria. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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=Contact Information=
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Nigeria, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''U.S. Consulate General, Lagos'''
  
 +
2 Walter Carrington Crescent
 +
Victoria Island, Lagos
 +
[[Nigeria]]
 +
Tel: [234](1) 460-3400
 +
Email:  LagosIV@state.gov
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Nigeria]]'''
  
 +
Abuja, [[Nigeria]]
 +
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
 +
Central Business District, Abuja, FCT
 +
(Off Independence Avenue/Near the Ministry of Defense)
 +
Tel:  [234] (9)461-4262
 +
Fax:  [234] (9)461-4171
 +
Email:  Consularabuja@state.gov
 +
Website:  [http://nigeria.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Nigeria]
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Nigeria, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
+
'''[[Nigeria]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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=After Adoption=
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Magistrate Court (where child resides)
 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Nigeria]]
 +
3519 [[International]] Court, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20008
 +
Tel:  (202) 775-8400
 +
Fax:  (202) 775-1385
 +
Internet: [http://nigeriaembassyusa.org Nigeria Adoption Authority]
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+
 
 +
[[Nigeria]] also has consulates in Atlanta and [[New York]] City.
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
 
  
 +
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
+
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
Email:  AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
−
 
+
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
+
−
 
+
−
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
+
  
 +
For questions about immigration procedures:
 +
National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 +
Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 +
Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
  
 +
For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[nigeria]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 14:13, 16 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Bida durbar festival.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Source: Wikipedia.org.

A group of children.
Source: flickr.com.

Banana and plantain market at Ikire, Osun.
Source: flickr.com.

Abuja National Mosque.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Aerial view of Lagos.
Source: flickr.com.

Market scene in Ibadan.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

New Gate to the palace of the Emir of Zaria.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A mother and her newborn premature baby.
Source: flickr.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Nigeria

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. To learn more please read About Nigeria.


Nigeria Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts over the years for Nigeria. To learn more please read the Nigeria Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Nigeria is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F. To learn more please read about Nigeria and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Nigeria. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Adopt from Nigeria.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Nigeria has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Be Adopted from Nigeria.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Nigeria’s Adoption Authority

The Magistrate Court (from the state where the child resides)


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Nigeria generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt (or gain custody of) the child in Nigeria
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Nigeria.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Nigeria. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Nigeria.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Consulate General, Lagos

2 Walter Carrington Crescent Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria Tel: [234](1) 460-3400 Email: LagosIV@state.gov


U.S. Embassy in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District, Abuja, FCT (Off Independence Avenue/Near the Ministry of Defense) Tel: [234] (9)461-4262 Fax: [234] (9)461-4171 Email: Consularabuja@state.gov Website: U.S. Embassy Nigeria


Nigeria’s Adoption Authority

Magistrate Court (where child resides) Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria 3519 International Court, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 775-8400 Fax: (202) 775-1385 Internet: Nigeria Adoption Authority


Nigeria also has consulates in Atlanta and New York City.


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=nigeria