In a major push to modernize administrative processes and promote ease of doing business, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a comprehensive digital platform designed to handle citizenship and business permit applications seamlessly.
The new system, known as the Online Citizenship and Business Department Management System (CBMS), was unveiled by the Ministry of Interior on Thursday, May 16, 2025. The platform aims to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce human interference, and enhance transparency in the processing of applications for Nigerian citizenship, business permits, expatriate quotas, and related services.
Speaking during the formal launch in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, described the initiative as a key milestone in the Ministry’s digital transformation agenda. She stated that the new portal is designed to boost investor confidence, improve public service delivery, and align with global best practices.
“The Citizenship and Business Department Management System is a significant step forward in ensuring that our services are not only accessible and efficient but also transparent and secure,” Dr. Ndayako said. “This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which places strong emphasis on digital governance and economic competitiveness.”
Accessible via https://candb.interior.gov.ng, the platform allows individuals, companies, legal representatives, and other stakeholders to apply, track, and manage their requests digitally, without the need for physical presence at government offices. The system supports applications for Nigerian citizenship by naturalization or registration, as well as permits for foreign business operations and expatriate staff.
In a statement, the Ministry highlighted that the CBMS incorporates user-friendly features and a secure payment gateway, enabling applicants to process documents from anywhere in the world. The platform also provides real-time updates, application history, and customer support via [email protected].
This development comes as part of the broader efforts by the Federal Government to reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage foreign investment, particularly in sectors requiring expatriate expertise and partnerships. According to officials, the portal was developed in partnership with leading local tech firms, ensuring both compliance with Nigerian data protection regulations and system sustainability.
Industry analysts have welcomed the move, noting that digitizing sensitive processes like citizenship and foreign business approvals could significantly reduce corruption, improve turnaround time, and enhance Nigeria’s global ease of doing business ranking.
With the CBMS now operational, the Ministry of Interior urged all prospective applicants and relevant institutions to utilize the platform and familiarize themselves with its processes, assuring the public that necessary training and awareness campaigns would follow to support a smooth transition.
