In times like this, when many people are desirous of leaving the country because of economic hardship or in furtherance of their education or to seek greener pasture, there are many things required by law from them and one of such is obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate. In this article we are going to explain what a Police Clearance Certificate is and how to obtain same and the requirements for obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate.
WHAT IS A POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE?
Police Clearance Certificate is a certificate issued by the Nigerian Police Force to individuals who live in Nigeria for a period of time to clarify that such person has no criminal records in Nigeria. This is basically for Nigerian citizens however a foreigners can be eligible for Police Clearance Certificate if the foreigner has lived in Nigeria for a period of at least 30days
HOW TO OBTAIN A POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
The body responsible for issuing the Police Clearance Certificate is the Nigerian Police Force and same is usually issued by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Force. The Police Force Criminal Registry accepts application for the certificate and this Nigerian Police Criminal Registry is in the 36 states of the federation.
Read: ADOPTION OF CHILDREN IN NIGERIA (STEPS AND PROCEDURES)
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR A POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
The following are required for the application of a Police Clearance Certificate
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- First name
- Middle name
- Surname
- Phone number
- Gender
- State (residential state)
- L.G.A (residential L.G.A)
- Address
- Two passport-size photographs (White Background passport)
- Valid International ID Card (the bio-data page).
- Reason for application (travelling, employment, education)
- Country of Destination
- State of origin
- L.G.A
- An application fee (this varies from state to state).
Read:2023 Guidelines to Business and Company Registration in Nigeria.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION OF POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
If the applicant is in Nigeria, such an applicant can apply in person at the Police Criminal Registry in any state of his residence. The applicant will pay application fees and collect the application form which will be filled and then attach the passport photograph (white background). After filling the form, you shall submit it along with a copy of the international passport bio-data page to the officer in charge and then wait for the certificate to be processed.
The duration of the processing depends on the network strength of the Police Registry, the certificate can be issued within a couple of days after submission of the application.
In conclusion, Police Clearnce Certificate is one of the vital documents required for immigration. Note also that it is advisable to always follow due process in applying for any document in Nigeria. This is to avoid falling into the wrong hands that will issue fake documents to you. If you cannot make the application yourself due to tight schedules, you can contact us.
For further question(s) or enquiries
Call/WhatsApp: 08116486356
Email: info@verazadvocates.com.ng
