3,270 Nigerians Gain U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service

Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria ranked fourth among countries whose citizens gained U.S. citizenship through military naturalization, according to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A total of 3,270 Nigerian-born military service members were granted American citizenship during this period, placing Nigeria behind the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico (3,670).

The USCIS data revealed that over 52,000 military service members from various countries were naturalized during the five-year period, with service members from the top five countries — the Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ghana — accounting for more than 38% of these naturalizations. Other countries, including Haiti, China, Cameroon, Vietnam, and South Korea, contributed an additional 16% to the total.

The number of Nigerian service members receiving U.S. citizenship has steadily grown over the years, with 340 naturalized in 2020. This figure rose to 630 in 2021, 680 in 2022, 690 in 2023, and 930 in 2024, marking a significant upward trend.

The data also highlighted the branches of the military where these naturalized service members served. The U.S. Army, including its National Guard and Reserve components, accounted for the majority at 60%. The Navy followed with 20.4%, the Air Force at 10.6%, and the Marine Corps at 6.6%. Less than 1% of naturalized service members served in the Coast Guard.

Demographically, half of all military service members granted citizenship during the period were between the ages of 22 and 30, with the median age being 27. About 17% were aged 21 and under, while nearly 5% were over 40. Gender data showed that men made up 73% of all naturalized military service members, though the proportion of women increased slightly over the years.