1️⃣ A step-by-step guide for adoption in Lagos State (under the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2007), and
2️⃣ A sample adoption petition format as filed in the Family Court of the Lagos State High Court.
🏛️ STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ADOPTION IN LAGOS STATE
Lagos State has one of the most structured adoption systems in Nigeria, supervised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Step 1: Submit an Application for Adoption
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Address the application to the:
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Youth and Social Development,
Block 18, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. -
The application must include:
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Full name, address, and occupation of the applicant(s).
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Marital status (attach marriage certificate if married).
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Statement of intent to adopt a child.
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Step 2: Preliminary Interview
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The applicant(s) will be invited for an interview at the Adoption Unit of the Ministry.
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Officers will explain the adoption requirements, necessary documents, and process.
Step 3: Submission of Required Documents
Typical documents include:
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Birth certificate or age declaration of applicant(s).
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Marriage certificate (if applicable).
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Medical fitness report (from a government hospital).
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Police clearance certificate.
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Means of livelihood (e.g., payslips, tax clearance, CAC documents for business owners).
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Two passport photographs.
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Recommendation letters (from reputable referees).
Step 4: Home Study / Social Welfare Investigation
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Social workers from the Ministry will conduct a home visit to assess:
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Emotional, financial, and environmental suitability.
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Relationship with spouse (if applicable).
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Support system for raising a child.
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A Social Welfare Report is prepared for the Family Court.
Step 5: Pre-Adoption Placement
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The applicant is matched with a child from a registered orphanage or child-care home.
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The child is placed with the applicant for at least 3 months for bonding.
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During this period, welfare officers conduct periodic supervision.
Step 6: Filing of the Adoption Petition
After the bonding period, the adopter’s lawyer files a petition for adoption at the Family Court (High Court) in Lagos State.
The petition includes:
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Applicant’s affidavit in support.
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Social Welfare Report.
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All supporting documents.
Step 7: Court Hearing
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The Family Court hears the petition in camera (privately).
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The social welfare officer, child’s guardian (if any), and biological parents (if known) are present.
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The court ensures all conditions under the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2007 are met.
Step 8: Grant of Adoption Order
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If satisfied that adoption is in the best interest of the child, the court issues an Adoption Order.
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This order gives the adopter(s) full parental rights over the child.
Step 9: Registration of the Adoption Order
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The Adoption Order is registered at the:
Adoption Register, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Alausa, Ikeja.
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A Certificate of Adoption is issued.
📜 SAMPLE ADOPTION PETITION FORMAT
(For filing at the Family Court of Lagos State High Court)
IN THE FAMILY COURT OF LAGOS STATE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
IN THE IKEJA JUDICIAL DIVISION
HOLDEN AT IKEJA
IN THE MATTER OF THE CHILD’S RIGHTS LAW OF LAGOS STATE 2007
AND
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD
BETWEEN:
MR. JOHN CHUKWU ................................................. PETITIONER/APPLICANT
AND
MISS NGOZI (MINOR) ............................................. THE CHILD
ADOPTION PETITION
TO: THE HONOURABLE JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT, LAGOS STATE HIGH COURT
The humble petition of the Petitioner states as follows:
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That I, John Chukwu, of No. 10, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, am a Nigerian citizen of sound mind and good character, aged 38 years, and financially capable of maintaining and bringing up a child.
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That I am lawfully married to Mrs. Grace Chukwu, and we have been married since the 15th of June, 2012, as evidenced by the attached marriage certificate.
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That we desire to adopt a female child named Ngozi, aged 3 years, currently under the care of St. Mary’s Orphanage Home, Ikeja, Lagos, duly registered with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
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That the said child has been in our custody since the ___ day of ____, 20, under a pre-adoption placement supervised by the Social Welfare Officer, Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
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That we have bonded with the said child, and she has been well cared for and treated as our own daughter.
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That the child was declared legally free for adoption by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development after due inquiry.
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That all requirements under the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2007 have been complied with.
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That the welfare report of the Social Worker, confirming our suitability to adopt, is attached herewith.
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That it is in the best interest of the child that an Order of Adoption be made in our favour.
WHEREFORE the Petitioner prays:
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For an Order of the Honourable Court authorizing the adoption of the said child Ngozi by the Petitioner(s).
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For such further or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
DATED this ____ day of ________, 20
________________________
(Signature of Petitioner)
MR. JOHN CHUKWU
Address: ___________________________
SUPPORTED BY:
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Affidavit of the Petitioner
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Social Welfare Report
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Medical fitness certificate
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Police clearance
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Marriage certificate
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Child’s birth details (if available)
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Photographs
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Any other supporting documents
credit: Sun Natha-Alade & Partners SNATHAP
08064961554
snathaplegals@gmail.com
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