Cost of obtaining Police Clearance Certificate in Nigeria

In Nigeria, police have refused to tell us official price of this clearance, when we visited the facebook page of Nigerian Police where it publishes a guide on how to obtain it, the article was silent on the cost. Several cost inquiries sent to the page were ignored.

Cost of police clearance form in Nigeria varies as follows:

We’ve heard stories of those who claimed that they spent almost N30,000 to get theirs.

However, passing through an intermediary at the Nigerian Police Command in your state or at the CID Registry Office, Alagbon, Lagos, could make you pay more.

Also, your status could be a determinant for the cost of police clearance certificate; you could be charged more when the officer in charge knows you have the financial strength.

If you flaunt your wealth then you could be asked to pay N30, 000 or more at the issuing office.

Bottom line: Cost of police clearance certificate in Nigeria isn’t known, but it ranges between N35,000 to N100,000. In 2024, due to the swift decline in the exchange rate of the Naira, the cost of this service is now averaging N90,000 to N100,000.

How long does it take to get police clearance in Nigeria?

If you are applying at the Criminal registry office in Lagos, you can get it within a day, depending on the number of application on ground, and the time you get there.

If you are applying from your state command, you may have to wait between 5-7days because it will still be passed to the Criminal registry office in Lagos.

How long does it take to receive police clearance certificate abroad?

If you are applying by yourself or through a third party, it could take between 14 to 21 days for you to get it.

Where can I download police certificate form?

If you are in Nigeria, you can register for an account on the NPF character clearance application portal, get an application ID, scan an upload your international passport data page, and download the form right away.

If you are applying through a third party service, go to gateway.ng portal, and download it.

Do I have to travel to Criminal Registry in Lagos to get it?

No. It has been simplified. You can apply after downloading the form on npf dedicated portal for character cert. and take to your state police command.

But if you need it urgently, you can travel to Lagos State (see the direction to criminal registry office, Alagbon, Lagos).

When will I be asked to provide my police clearance certificate?

It is needed to gain entry into another country, particularly if you are an immigration applicant you will have to provide it to show that you don’t have any criminal record back in your country. No country will allow its country to be a safe haven for criminals.If you have also lived in another country for more than 30 days, you will have to provide your police check certificate.CLICK TO TWEET

What is the expiry date of police clearance certificate?

For Canadian Immigration application, you are advised to start the processing if you have been added to the pool of applicants.

This is to make sure you meet up when you are finally directed to apply if you are entering through International Experience Canada, or through Express Entry option.

Period of validity of police certificate varies from country to country, depending on each country’s law

It is very rare to find the expiry date on the certificate, and criteria for recognizing the validity of certificates vary widely.

See the period of validity of character certificate in some countries:

• Nigeria: It last for three months in Nigeria (90 days)
• Australia: In Australia, police certificate is valid for 12 months from date of issuance (365 days)
• Ecuador: Ecuador authority recognizes police certificate for for three months just like Nigeria (as of 2 March 2012).

Can police clearance certificate be done by proxy?

It can’t be done by proxy. Another person can not use his fingerprint to apply on your behalf.

Even by using the third party service, you will still have to take your own fingerprint (clearly taken), scan and forward it, which will be analysed by forensic expert back here in Nigeria.

Is police clearance certificate transferable?

It is not. You can not use police cert. used by your brother, relative or friend.

You must obtain your own. Beside, no two human beings have the same fingerprints, even twins doesn’t.