Over 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024, placing Nigeria 10th in new Canadian citizens. Canada's diverse immigration plan continues to welcome immigrants from nearly 200 countries, with high citizenship levels linked to better economic outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging.
Over the last 19 years, more than 71,459 Nigerians have become Canadian citizens, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This milestone places Nigeria in the top ten countries of origin for new Canadian citizens. The IRCC oversees immigration, refugees, and citizenship matters for Canada.
The data indicates that the majority of new Canadian citizens hail from a diverse range of 196 countries, with the top ten countries accounting for nearly half of the new citizens. India leads the list with 536,279 new citizens, followed by the Philippines with 395,694, and China with 292,325.
Toronto-based immigration consultant Al Parsai emphasized the significant contributions of new citizens from countries like India and the Philippines to Canada's labor market and society. He also pointed out that many new citizens come from conflict-affected regions, illustrating Canada's commitment to providing refuge and support.
In November 2023, Canada introduced a new immigration-level plan aiming to admit 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. The plan targets the inclusion of 500,000 new immigrants in both 2025 and 2026, covering various categories such as economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian classes. This strategy underscores Canada's dedication to maintaining its multicultural and diverse population through inclusive immigration policies.
