Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 3,270 Nigerians earned U.S. citizenship through military service, marking Nigeria as the fourth-highest-ranking country in this category.
This achievement highlights the dedication of Nigerian-born individuals serving in various branches of the U.S. military.
The data, shared by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), emphasizes the role of military naturalization programs in rewarding the commitment of foreign-born service members.
Among the nations represented, the Philippines led with 5,630 naturalizations, followed closely by Jamaica (5,420) and Mexico (3,670). Nigerians accounted for 6.2% of the naturalized military personnel during this period.
Most served in the U.S. Army (60%), while the Navy and Air Force accounted for 20.4% and 10.6%, respectively. The typical age range of these service members was 22–30, with a median age of 27.
This initiative underscores America’s recognition of the sacrifices made by immigrant soldiers, offering a streamlined pathway to citizenship as an acknowledgment of their contributions to national defense. It reflects the deep ties and shared values between these nations and the U.S. military.
