A new report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revealed that almost 48,000 Nigerians obtained American citizenship between 2019 and 2023, making Nigeria one of the top African sources of new U.S. citizens in recent years.
The updated U.S. Naturalisations Annual Flow Report, released in August 2025 by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, shows that 47,819 Nigerians were sworn in as naturalised citizens during the four-year period.
According to the report, 8,930 Nigerians completed the naturalisation process in 2020, a year disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended oath-taking ceremonies for about 11 weeks.
The figure rose to 10,921 in 2021 as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services cleared pandemic backlogs.
In 2022, the numbers peaked at 14,438 — the highest on record for Nigerians — before slightly dropping to 13,530 in 2023.
Speaking on the development, an immigration analyst based in Washington, D.C., Dr. Michael Lawson, described the figures as “a reflection of the growing Nigerian presence in the United States.”
“Nigerians are among the most educated and skilled immigrant groups in the U.S. These naturalisation numbers underscore their long-term commitment to the country and their determination to fully participate in civic life,” Lawson said.
The report further noted that Nigerians accounted for about 1.4 percent of all Africans who became U.S. citizens during the period, with Nigeria ranking alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya among leading African contributors.
African-born nationals overall made up 11 percent of all U.S. naturalisations in 2022 and 2023, the highest share ever recorded.
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson explained the process, “To be considered for naturalisation, applicants must meet the statutory requirements — including five years of lawful permanent residence, English proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. civics. They must also demonstrate good moral character and pledge allegiance to the Constitution.”
Globally, Africa recorded the fastest growth in naturalisations between 2020 and 2023, with a 43 percent increase.
While Mexico and India remained the largest sources of new U.S. citizens overall, experts say the rapid rise of African immigrants — particularly Nigerians — reflects shifting migration patterns.