Understanding the Health System in Nigeria

Detailed Directions for a Foreigner to Obtain residency Status in Nigeria

• Understand the types of residency permits
  • Subject to Regularization (STR): for foreigners employed by Nigerians or expatriate resident companies
  • Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC): for foreigners employed by companies registered in Nigeria
  • Permanent Residence: for foreign spouses of Nigerian citizens or Afro-Caribbean/Afro-American descendants
• Obtain a job offer or marry a Nigerian citizen
  • For employment-based residency, secure a job offer from a Nigerian company or an expatriate resident company
  • For marriage-based residency, provide a valid marriage certificate
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Visit the nearest Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office
  • Complete the 'Application for Taxpayer Identification Number' form
  • Submit the form along with a valid passport and a copy of your employment letter or marriage certificate
  • For more information, visit the official FIRS website: https://www.firs.gov.ng/
• Obtain Business Permit (for employment-based residency)
  • Visit the Ministry of Interior's Citizenship and Business Department
  • Complete the Business Permit application form
  • Submit the form along with the required documents, including the company's Certificate of Incorporation and TIN
• Apply for the appropriate residency permit
  • Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office
  • Complete the residency permit application form
  • Submit the form along with the required documents, including your passport, employment letter or marriage certificate, TIN, and Business Permit (if applicable)
  • Pay the prescribed fees and obtain a receipt
  • For more information, visit the official NIS website: https://immigration.gov.ng/
• Undergo biometric registration and obtain residence permit
  • Visit the NIS office on the scheduled date for biometric registration
  • Provide fingerprints and capture your photograph
  • Collect your residence permit once it's ready
• Register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
  • Visit the nearest NIMC enrollment center
  • Complete the pre-enrollment form online: https://penrol.nimc.gov.ng/
  • Submit the form and provide the required documents, including your residence permit
  • Undergo biometric registration and obtain your National Identification Number (NIN)
• Renew your residency permit as required
  • Residency permits are usually valid for 2 years and can be renewed by visiting the NIS office
  • Complete the renewal application form and submit the required documents
  • Pay the prescribed renewal fees

It is essential to follow these steps carefully and ensure that you have all the required documents at each stage. Patience is crucial, as the process can take time. Always consult the official websites or visit the relevant offices for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Insider Tips from Expats in Nigeria: How to Navigate the Health System

"Nigeria's system is composed of both public and private services. Public healthcare services are provided by the government and are generally of lower quality than private services. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate access to basic healthcare services. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, as it is primarily intended for Nigerian citizens. Expats in Nigeria typically use private healthcare services, which are of higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare services are often more expensive than public services, but they provide more comprehensive care and better access to specialized treatments," commented one member living in Nigeria.

"Emergency services in Nigeria are limited and vary in quality depending on the region. Generally, the most reliable way to call for an ambulance is to contact the local police station or fire station. In some areas, there are private ambulance services that can be contacted directly. In addition, some hospitals have their own ambulance services that can be contacted directly. In any case, it is important to provide as much information as possible, such as the exact location of the emergency, to ensure that the ambulance can arrive as quickly as possible," commented one member living in Nigeria.