Since 2014, the U.S. Department of State has warned prospective parents that fraud and adoption scams are a serious concern after Nigerian media outlets reported on alleged child-buying operations posing as orphanages or homes for unwed mothers. Non-Nigerian citizens are not permitted to adopt from Nigeria.
For more up-to-date information on how to adopt from Nigeria, visit the Nigeria Adoption page on the U.S. State Department’s website.
Nigeria Adoption Fast Facts
- 2016 Adoptions: 121 children
- Hague Country: No
- Profile of Children: 61% of children are between 1 and 4 years old. 50% of children are girls. (2014)
- Estimated Total Cost: adoption fees in Nigeria are approximately $500
- Parents’ Ages: Parents must be at least 25 years of age, and 21 years older than the child.
- Family Requirements: Married couples may adopt if both parents are Nigerian citizens. Singles may adopt a child of the same sex. Same-sex adoption is not expressly prohibited, but it is not clear where the government stands.
- Travel: At least one parent must travel to Nigeria to adopt, and establish a parent-child relationship with the courts before the adoption is final.
- Timeline for Nigerian Adoption: A few months to a year.
Personal Stories About Nigeria Adoption
Helpful Books About Nigeria Adoption
- Being Lara by Lola Jaye
