Current Cost Of Adopting A Child In Nigeria(2022)—The cost of adopting a child in Nigeria in 2022 is what we will examine as this piece progresses. Adoption has gained widespread acceptance in recent years, in contrast to the situation in the past, when it was generally frowned upon in Nigeria. Today, many couples in the country view adoption as a viable option for having their own kid and building the family of their dreams, but few are aware of the costs involved in adopting a child in Nigeria; we will discuss all of this and more in a minute.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO ADOPT A CHILD IN NIGERIA?
Various factors influence the cost of adoption in Nigeria at the moment, including agency costs, court expenses, attorney fees, and the cost of documents such as birth certificates. Having said that, the cost of adopting a kid in Nigeria in 2022 is estimated to be between 180,000 and 250,000 dollars. It could be more or less, but depending on the entire process, the fees are likely to fall within the range of the values we have indicated.
Adopting a kid in Nigeria is an extremely expensive and time-consuming process, particularly for foreigners wishing to have a child in the country. Additionally, the adoption process in Nigeria varies by state, so what is appropriate in one may not be applicable in another; this is something to keep in mind.
ADOPTION PROCESS IN NIGERIA FOR RESIDENTS
Adoption in Nigeria is governed by written legislation enacted by the legislature. This law is referred to as statutory law, and because adoption procedures vary by state in the country, an individual may only adopt a child based on the statutory law enacted in the state in which they reside.
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While there are common national standards and standard procedures for adoption in Nigeria, you should also be aware that defined guidelines vary by state when wanting to adopt a child regardless of where you are in the country.
In many jurisdictions across the country, the law governing adoption makes it quite apparent that the parents involved must submit an official application for adoption to the court’s registrar for approval. Using Lagos as an example, Section 116 of the Lagos State Child Rights Law 2015 requires the following documents to be submitted with the application form when attempting to adopt a child:
- The adopting parents’ marriage certificate or a sworn declaration of marriage
- Each adopting parent’s birth certificate or sworn declaration of age.
- Each adoptive parent should have two passport images.
- A medical certificate from a government hospital certifying the adopting parent(s)’ fitness.
- Without the consent of the state’s government welfare agency, the adopting parent(s) are not permitted to file this application with the court.
- Different ministries are responsible for these procedures in the Federation’s several states. However, in Lagos State, the Ministry for Youth and Social Development, Ikeja, is in charge of this adoption process.
Once the ministry receives the application, the court will direct Social Welfare Officers in this jurisdiction to undertake a thorough background check to obtain basic information about the adopting parents in order to establish their true intentions. Additionally, the court may appoint a guardian to represent the kid being adopted during the procedure. This child’s guardian will also function as the welfare officer in charge of the zone in which the child is to be adopted.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN NIGERIA FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS
The procedure of adopting a child in Nigeria is considerably more difficult for foreign citizens than it is for citizens residing in various regions of the country. Additionally, it is more expensive, and the Federal Government of Nigeria takes it quite seriously. Foreign nationals interested in adopting a child in Nigeria should follow the steps outlined below:
IDENTIFY A REPUTABLE ADOPTION SERVICE PROVIDER
Finding a reputable adoption service provider is critical for foreign citizens interested in adopting a child in Nigeria, and it is the first step to take. Ascertain that you work with a licensed adoption service provider in the United States who will oversee the entire process. Please keep in mind that the United States region in which they operate must license the adoption service provider you are using.
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For additional information, please visit the US Department of State’s official website.
APPLY FOR ADOPTIONAL ELIGIBILITY IN NIGERIA
This is to determine your eligibility to adopt a child in Nigeria, as not all foreign citizens are eligible. As a foreign citizen seeking to adopt a child in Nigeria, you must meet the requirements of the United States and Nigerian governments’ immigration laws and submit an application to confirm your eligibility to adopt a child in Nigeria.
This is simply accomplished by submitting an I-600A form to the United States Department of Homeland Security’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This will determine whether you are eligible to adopt a child in Nigeria.
THE STAGE OF MATCHING
After confirming your eligibility to adopt a child in Nigeria as a foreign citizen, you will receive a referral letter from the country’s official adoption authority. Additionally, the child you wish to adopt must be eligible for adoption under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Additionally, the kid must fit the fundamental criteria and description of an orphan under US immigration law.
ADOPT THE CHILD
The final stage entails the child’s actual adoption. This pertains to concluding the adoption process in conjunction with the court and adoption agencies.
