If you’re applying for a Nigerian passport, for a minor and both parents or guardians aren’t present, you’ll need a consent letter.
This letter must be written and signed by the absent parent(s) or guardian(s) and, must contain details like the child’s full name and the relationship to the person giving consent.
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Without this letter, the application will be delayed or rejected, as authorities require proof that both parents or guardians approve of the passport being issued.
If you want to write a consent letter for a Nigerian passport, this is how to do it.
How to write a consent letter for Nigerian passport
The letter starts with a heading:
Step 1: Heading
At the top of the letter, include your full name and address, along with the date the letter was written.
This is just for identification and record-keeping purposes.
The letter should be addressed to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
Example:
“John Doe No. 5 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Date: September 20, 2024
To: Nigerian Immigration Service Subject: Consent Letter for Minor’s Passport Application.”
Step 2: Salutation
You should address the letter formally, using “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Don’t bother putting the name of the official receiving the document if known.
Example:
“Dear Sir/Madam,”.
Step 3: Introduction
In the first paragraph, clearly state the purpose of the letter.
You should specify that; it is a consent letter for a Nigerian passport for a minor and mention the child’s name and date of birth.
Be concise but clear.
Example:
“I, John Doe, hereby give my consent for the issuance of a Nigerian passport for my son, [Child‘s Full Name], born on [Child’s Date of Birth].
Due to unavoidable circumstances, I am unable to be physically present for this, and as such, I grant permission for his mother, Jane Doe, to act on my behalf.”
Step 4: Parent/Guardian information
Next, include information about both parents or legal guardians.
Include
- Your full name
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- And, phone numbers.
If one parent is writing the letter, include the contact details of both parents, even if only one is giving consent.
Parent 1 (Father):
“Full Name: John Doe
Date of Birth: January 15, 1985
Address: No. 5 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos
Phone Number: +234-123-4567″
Parent 2 (Mother):
“Full Name: Jane Doe
Date of Birth: February 20, 1987
Address: No. 5 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos
Phone Number: +234-987-6543″
Step 5: The minor’s information
Include the child’s full name, date of birth and other details.
If this is the child’s first passport, indicate that.
Minor’s Information:
“Full Name: [Child‘s Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Child‘s Date of Birth]
Current Passport Number (if applicable): [Passport Number]”
Step 6: Reason for absence (Optional)
This is not compulsory but you’re allowed to include it.
Briefly explain why one parent cannot attend the passport application process.
Even though this is optional, it adds context to the letter.
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Example:
“Unfortunately, I am currently out of the country for work and unable to be present for the application. However, I fully authorize Jane Doe to represent our son during this process.”
Step 7: Declare your consent
This section is where you formally declare your consent.
Be specific about the authority you are granting (e.g., permission for the issuance of a passport consent).
Example:
“I declare that I give my full consent for the issuance of a Nigerian passport for my son, [Child’s Full Name], and authorize [Mother’s Full Name] to act on my behalf for all matters relating to the passport application process.”
Step 8: Signature
End the letter with your signature, full name, and date.
You can also notarize the letter.
“Sincerely,
[Signature]
John Doe
Date: September 20, 2024″
Sample of consent letter for Nigerian passport
No. 5 Example Street,
Ikeja, Lagos,
Nigeria
Date: September 20, 2024
To: Nigerian Immigration Service
Subject: Consent Letter for Minor’s Passport Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, John Doe, hereby give my consent for the issuance of a Nigerian passport for my son, [Child‘s Full Name], born on [Child‘s Date of Birth].
Due to unavoidable circumstances, I am unable to be physically present during the passport application process, and as such, I grant permission for his mother, Jane Doe, to act on my behalf.
Parent 1 (Father):
Full Name: John Doe
Date of Birth: January 15, 1985
Address: No. 5 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos
Phone Number: +234–123–4567
Parent 2 (Mother):
Full Name: Jane Doe
Date of Birth: February 20, 1987
Address: No. 5 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos
Phone Number: +234–987–6543
Minor’s Information:
Full Name: [Child‘s Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Child‘s Date of Birth]
Current Passport Number (if applicable): [Passport Number]
I declare that I give my full consent for the issuance of a Nigerian passport for my son, [Child‘s Full Name], and authorize [Mother’s Full Name] to act on my behalf for all matters relating to the passport application process.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
John Doe
Date: September 20, 2024.
You can copy this, edit it and put your details.
Picture of consent letter for Nigerian passport
What you must always remember about the consent letter for a Nigerian passport
The letter is a formal document that permits a minor (someone under the age of 18) to apply for or renew a Nigerian passport.
You only need it if one or both parents are unable to attend the application or passport renewal appointment, or if the child is travelling with only one parent or a legal guardian.
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For example, if a mother is applying for her child’s passport without the father present, she’ll need a consent letter from the father granting permission for the child to receive a passport.
In the same way, if a minor is travelling abroad with only one parent, the other parent must submit this consent for the child to leave the country.
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The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) will ask you for the letter just to make sure that both parents are aware and agree on the issuance of a passport for their child.
Before going for your minor’s passport application, write and go with a consent letter.
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