Repatriation to Nigeria from the UK: documents, steps and timings

Many Nigerian families in the UK want a loved one buried in their hometown, among family. Repatriation to Nigeria is common, but the Nigeria High Commission doesn’t publish a step-by-step procedure, so an experienced funeral director is especially valuable. This guide sets out what the UK and Nigerian authorities require and what to check.

Key points

• Register the death and get the coroner’s permission before the person can leave the UK.
• Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health names three standard requirements: an embalming certificate, a verified sealed coffin and an international death certificate.
• If one can’t be met, a Port Health Services waiver is needed, typically taking 48 to 72 hours.
• The High Commission has no published repatriation page, so contact its consular section.
• Muslim families usually want a quick burial.
• The Funeral Expenses Payment usually can’t be used for a funeral in Nigeria.

The UK side: permission to move the person

First register the death: within five days of the medical examiner’s office confirming it can be registered (England and Wales), eight days (Scotland) or five days (Northern Ireland). Our death registration deadline tool can help.

Don’t book flights until permission has been given.

Nigeria’s requirements

Health requirements

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health says the standard requirements for bringing a body into Nigeria are:

If any of these can’t be met, the family needs a waiver from Port Health Services, which the ministry says typically takes 48 to 72 hours.

The Nigeria High Commission

The High Commission’s website has no repatriation page. Contact its consular section before making plans:

• phone: 020 7839 1244
• email: [email protected]
• address: 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX.

Its consular page mentions a £20 administrative charge for consular services; ask whether it applies. Be wary of unofficial online checklists, which may be copied from other countries’ rules.

What affects the timing

Registration, the coroner’s notice period, embalming and paperwork, and airline cargo space all take time. A Port Health waiver adds 48 to 72 hours. Many Christian families don’t need to rush: funerals are often held some weeks after the death so relatives can travel and plans can be made. Agree a realistic date with family in Nigeria before booking venues.

Faith considerations

Christian families often hold a service of songs, wake keeping or a thanksgiving in the UK, then a funeral and burial in the hometown. Traditions vary between Yoruba, Igbo and other communities.

Muslim families follow the Islamic preference for washing, shrouding and burial as soon as possible:

• tell the hospital, medical examiner’s office and coroner’s office straight away that it’s an urgent faith burial
• raise embalming early: it’s a standard Nigerian requirement, and if the family objects, ask whether a Port Health waiver may be possible
• many Muslim families choose a UK burial to avoid delay.

Costs

Costs depend on the airline, route and the funeral director. They typically include collection and care, embalming, a sealed coffin, air freight, any waiver or consular charges, relatives’ flights and the funeral in Nigeria, which can itself be a large event. Ask at least two specialists for itemised written quotes.

The GOV.UK Funeral Expenses Payment needs the funeral to be in the UK, the EEA or Switzerland, so it usually can’t be used for a funeral in Nigeria. In Northern Ireland the funeral must usually be in the UK, and Scotland’s Funeral Support Payment covers a funeral abroad only in some circumstances. Family contributions, church or community support and life insurance often help.

Alternatives

• Burial or cremation in the UK, with a memorial service or celebration in Nigeria later.
• Cremation and taking the ashes, where the family’s faith and custom allow. Check airline rules and ask about any Nigerian requirements for ashes.

Where to get help

• Our repatriation guide and Nigerian funerals in the UK.
• Search funeral directors near you, or Muslim funeral directors.
• Faith guides: Christian, Pentecostal and evangelical and Muslim funerals.
• See also repatriation to Ghana.