Nigeria has emerged as the fourth-ranking country whose citizens gained U.S. citizenship through military service between 2020 and 2024, underscoring a growing trend of Nigerians seeking naturalisation via this pathway.
During this period, the United States naturalised more than 52,000 service members, with Nigerians accounting for 3,270 of these new citizens, according to data released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Nigeria trailed the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico (3,670) in military naturalisations.
The data revealed that service members born in the top five countries—Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ghana—constituted over 38% of military naturalisations. Other significant contributors included Haiti, China, Cameroon, Vietnam, and South Korea, which accounted for an additional 16%.
Steady Growth Over Five Years
The number of Nigerian-born service members naturalised has risen steadily, reflecting the increasing appeal of the U.S. military as a pathway to citizenship. From 340 in 2020, the figure grew to 630 in 2021, 680 in 2022, 690 in 2023, and reached 930 in 2024.
The Army dominated these naturalisations, accounting for 60% of the total, followed by the Navy (20.4%), Air Force (10.6%), and Marine Corps (6.6%). The Coast Guard contributed less than 1%.
Demographics of Naturalised Service Members
The median age of those naturalised was 27, with half of all service members aged between 22 and 30. Notably, over 17% were aged 21 and under, while nearly 5% were over 40. Gender dynamics showed men making up 73% of naturalised service members, although the proportion of women has been gradually increasing.
A Broader Implication
This surge in Nigerian military naturalisations highlights a critical intersection of global migration, military service, and citizenship. While the U.S. benefits from the contributions of these individuals, the phenomenon raises questions about the socioeconomic and political factors driving Nigerians to enlist in foreign military services for the promise of a new nationality.
It also reflects Nigeria’s growing diaspora and the country’s continued prominence as a source of skilled and driven individuals seeking opportunities abroad. Whether this trend will continue or shift in the coming years remains to be seen, as the geopolitical and economic landscapes evolve.
