Ghanaian Man Decries Citizenship Struggles Despite 10 Years Of Marriage In Nigeria

A Ghanaian man has sparked conversations online after sharing his frustration over Nigeria’s strict immigration and citizenship processes, despite being married to a Nigerian and residing in the country for over a decade.

His comments came in response to another Nigerian man’s post, lamenting how a friend—also married to a Nigerian and living in the country for 15 years—continues to face difficulties obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.

The Ghanaian recounted years of fruitless attempts to legalize his stay, describing how he’s been forced to repeatedly renew his passport, with no pathway to citizenship in sight. He also revealed frequent harassment by law enforcement officers, including immigration officials, despite his legal marriage and long-term residence.

The situation has reignited debates on Nigeria’s immigration laws, especially concerning spousal rights, ECOWAS agreements, and reciprocity in regional migration policies. Many users called for clearer legal frameworks and less bureaucratic hurdles for long-term residents and spouses of Nigerian citizens.