A police clearance certificate is a document provided by the Nigeria Police Force to show that the recipient doesn’t have a criminal record. It is a way of verifying that the person in question is not wanted by the police for a crime. This certificate will assure a prospective immigrant’s destination country that they have a clean slate and will not be a security risk in the new location.
Nigerians who want to relocate to Canada will be required to submit a police clearance certificate after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is one of the final stages of the Express Entry process leading to Canadian Permanent Residency.
There are two ways to apply for a police clearance certificate in Nigeria. They are:
- Applying in person at the Police Criminal Registry in Lagos
- Applying by mail to the state commissioner of police
1. Applying in person at the Police Criminal Registry in Lagos
The Police Criminal Registry is located at the Central Criminal Registry, Force C.I.D. Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos. You will need to bring along your passport, 2 passport photographs and the necessary fees. The certificate costs between N5,000 to N10,000 so be prepared for that amount.
2. Applying by mail to the state commissioner of police
For this you’ll need to attach a photocopy of your passport data page, proof of payment and a self-addressed envelope with stamps. You’ll also need passport photographs and a full set of fingerprints taken and certified by the police.
The exact cost of the police clearance certificate is not stated in either instance. All certificates are issued by the Central Criminal Registry in Lagos so applying directly to that office will make the process quicker.