Travel & Tourism Travel Tips Dual Citizenship Pathways: Comparing Policies in Nigeria, Rwanda, & Ghana Mercy Idoko IfunanyaJanuary 7, 2026044 views Dual citizenship in Africa is no longer a rare topic. As more Africans live, work, and study abroad, many now hold ties to more than one country. This has pushed governments to clearly define who can be a citizen, how many citizenships a person can hold, and what rights come with it. Because of this, understanding dual citizenship in Africa requires examining each country’s legal framework rather than relying on assumptions or opinions. This article compares dual citizenship in Africa using three clear examples: Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda. What Is Dual Citizenship in Africa? Dual citizenship in Africa means a person is legally recognised as a citizen of one African country and another country at the same time. This status allows the person to enjoy rights and responsibilities in both countries under each country’s laws. In Africa, dual citizenship is not controlled by a single rule. Each country decides its citizenship laws through its constitution and national legislation. Most African countries that recognise dual citizenship focus on: How citizenship was acquired (by birth, registration, or naturalisation) Loyalty and national security Political participation and eligibility for public office are also important factors. Today, dual citizenship in Africa is often linked to diaspora engagement, economic growth, and global mobility, but it remains tightly regulated by law rather than personal choice. Legal Framework for Dual Citizenship in Africa Dual citizenship in Africa is governed by national laws, not a single African or international rule. Every country decides its position through its constitution, citizenship acts, and related legal instruments. In most African countries, citizenship laws define: Who is a citizen by birth How can citizenship be acquired later Whether another nationality can be held at the same time When citizenship can be lost The constitution is the highest authority. If it allows dual citizenship, lower laws must follow it. If it restricts it, no policy or assumption can override that rule. International law also plays a role, but only as guidance. Instruments supported by bodies like the United Nations and UNHCR recognise every state’s right to decide its own citizenship laws. They do not force countries to accept or reject dual citizenship. Instead, they stress the need to avoid statelessness and protect fundamental rights. Because of this structure, dual citizenship in Africa is shaped by: National sovereignty Historical and political context Migration and diaspora realities Dual Citizenship in Nigeria Dual citizenship in Africa is clearly addressed under Nigerian law. Nigeria legally recognises dual citizenship, but only under specific conditions set out in the constitution. This means dual citizenship is a legal right for some people, not for everyone. The main law governing dual citizenship in Nigeria is the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The constitution explains who is a Nigerian citizen and when Nigerian citizenship can be held together with another nationality. Under Nigerian law, the key factor is the manner in which citizenship was acquired. The constitution makes a clear distinction between citizenship by birth and citizenship acquired later in life. Nigeria’s approach reflects a typical pattern seen in dual citizenship in Africa: Strong protection for citizens by birth Tighter rules for naturalised citizens Clear limits tied directly to constitutional provisions Constitutional Basis Dual citizenship in Africa, as it applies to Nigeria, is defined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The constitution is the highest law in the country, and all citizenship rules come from it. The key sections are Sections 25, 26, 27, and 28: Section 25 defines citizenship at birth. Sections 26 and 27 cover citizenship by registration and naturalisation Section 28 explains when Nigerian citizenship can be lost Under Section 28, Nigeria allows dual citizenship only for citizens by birth. A Nigerian who is a citizen by birth does not lose Nigerian citizenship by acquiring another nationality. However, the same section states that: “A person who becomes a Nigerian citizen by registration or naturalisation will lose Nigerian citizenship if they acquire the citizenship of another country.” This constitutional rule is strict and leaves no room for interpretation. It shows that dual citizenship in Africa, especially in Nigeria, depends entirely on how a person became a citizen, not personal preference or length of stay abroad. In summary, Nigerian law: Fully allows dual citizenship for Nigerians by birth It prohibits dual citizenship for naturalised or registered citizens. These rules are fixed in the constitution and can only be changed through constitutional amendment. Who is Permitted to Hold Dual Citizenship in Nigeria? Under Nigerian law, dual citizenship in Africa is allowed in Nigeria only for citizens by birth. This rule comes directly from the 1999 Constitution and is applied nationwide. A person is considered a Nigerian citizen by birth if: They were born in Nigeria to at least one parent or grandparent who is a Nigerian citizen, or They were born outside Nigeria but have at least one parent who is a Nigerian citizen If a person meets these conditions, they are allowed to: Acquire the citizenship of another country Hold and use a Nigerian international passport Keep their Nigerian citizenship for life, unless they choose to renounce it The constitution does not place age, residence, or time limits on this right. Once citizenship by birth is established, acquiring another nationality does not affect Nigerian citizenship status. In Nigeria, the law is clear: Nigerian citizenship by birth is the legal foundation for dual citizenship. Dual Citizenship in Ghana Dual citizenship in Africa is clearly recognised under Ghanaian law. Ghana allows its citizens to hold another nationality, but, like Nigeria, this right is defined and limited by the constitution and national laws. The legal foundation for dual citizenship in Ghana comes from the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), as amended. Ghana’s approach to dual citizenship in Africa is strongly linked to diaspora engagement. Over the years, the country has made legal reforms to encourage Ghanaians abroad to maintain formal ties with the state while contributing to national development. However, dual citizenship in Ghana is not absolute. While it is allowed, the law places clear limits on political power and access to certain public offices. Constitutional and Legal Framework Dual citizenship in Africa, as applied in Ghana, is governed by the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), including its later amendments. The 1992 Constitution establishes Ghanaian citizenship and gives Parliament the power to regulate how citizenship is acquired, held, or lost. Based on this authority, Act 591 formally recognises dual citizenship under Ghanaian law. Under the Citizenship Act. A Ghanaian citizen is allowed to hold the citizenship of another country Dual citizenship must be formally registered with the state Citizenship is not automatically lost because another nationality is acquired Unlike Nigeria, Ghana does not limit dual citizenship only to citizens by birth. Both citizens by birth and those who acquire citizenship under the law may hold another nationality, provided they follow the legal process. Who Can Hold Dual Citizenship? In Ghana, dual citizenship is available to Ghanaians by birth and to naturalised citizens, provided they follow the proper legal process. To hold dual citizenship in Ghana, a person must: Be a Ghanaian by birth, or a naturalised citizen under the Citizenship Act Apply for registration of the other nationality with the Ghanaian government Provide all the required documentation, including proof of second citizenship. Once approved, dual citizens in Ghana can: Hold both passports legally Travel freely between Ghana and the other country Retain property and business rights in Ghana However, Ghanaian law imposes restrictions on public office for dual citizens, ensuring national loyalty in politics. Dual Citizenship in Rwanda Rwanda offers one of the most inclusive approaches to dual citizenship in Africa. Unlike Nigeria and Ghana, Rwanda’s laws allow most citizens to hold multiple nationalities without significant restrictions. The legal basis for dual citizenship in Rwanda comes from the 2003 Constitution (revised in 2015) and the Rwandan Nationality Law. These laws were updated to support diaspora returns, investments, and reconciliation, recognising that many Rwandans abroad maintain strong ties with their homeland. Key features of Rwanda’s approach to dual citizenship in Africa include: Acceptance of multiple nationalities for all citizens There is no distinction between citizens of birth and naturalised citizens regarding dual nationality. Focus on promoting economic development, skills transfer, and political participation among the Rwandan diaspora Rwanda’s policy demonstrates a modern approach to dual citizenship, prioritising practical benefits for the nation while maintaining legal clarity. READ MORE Travel Nigeria vs Ghana: Which Trip is Best for You? Nigeria Airports New Immigration Rules 2025: E-Visa, Expired Passport, Others How US Travel Restrictions Are Redrawing Africa’s Outbound Journeys Legal Foundation Dual citizenship in Africa, as applied in Rwanda, is firmly established in the 2003 Constitution of Rwanda, revised in 2015, and in the Rwandan Nationality Law. These legal instruments make Rwanda one of the few African countries with an open and inclusive dual citizenship policy. Key points from the law include: Citizenship by birth or naturalisation: Both categories of Rwandans may hold another nationality without losing Rwandan citizenship. Diaspora inclusion: The law explicitly encourages Rwandans living abroad to retain ties to the country. No automatic loss: Acquiring another nationality does not automatically terminate Rwandan citizenship. Rwanda’s legal framework contrasts with countries like Nigeria, where dual citizenship is restricted to citizens by birth, or Ghana, where registration is required. Rwanda’s policy is designed to strengthen national unity, encourage diaspora engagement, and promote investment from citizens living abroad. This inclusive approach makes Rwanda a model of dual citizenship in Africa, balancing legal clarity with social and economic benefits. Conclusion Dual citizenship in Africa varies widely, and the examples of Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda show how different legal approaches shape citizens’ rights and responsibilities. If you want to explore dual citizenship in Africa or are considering applying, review your country’s constitution and citizenship laws carefully. FAQs 1. Does Nigeria Allow Dual Citizenship? Yes, but only for citizens by birth. Naturalised Nigerians cannot hold another nationality without losing Nigerian citizenship. 2. Can Ghanaians Hold Dual Citizenship? Yes. Both naturalised citizens and citizens by birth can hold another nationality, but they must register it with the Ghanaian government. 3. Is Dual Citizenship Fully Accepted in Rwanda? Yes. Rwanda allows all citizens, by birth or naturalisation, to hold multiple nationalities without significant restrictions. 4. Can Dual Citizens Hold Public Office in Africa? It depends on the country. In Nigeria, dual citizens cannot hold certain public offices. In Ghana, dual citizens are restricted from some high offices. Rwanda does not impose such restrictions. 5. Why Do African Countries Restrict Dual Citizenship? Restrictions are usually in place to protect national security, ensure loyalty, and maintain clear political accountability.