Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Canada to Nigeria
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Canada to Nigeria: what to expect
Canada is home to a growing Nigerian-Canadian community, with nationals concentrated in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton in healthcare, technology, and professional services. The Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa is fully operational. When a Nigerian national dies in Canada and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Nigeria, the death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Nigeria is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa is required. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2024. (Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English or French)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Ottawa registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly.
- Nigeria Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Canada to Nigeria
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Nigeria Embassy in Ottawa notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Nigeria
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Nigeria funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Canada
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Canada to Nigeria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Canada to Nigeria takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Nigeria Embassy in Ottawa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Nigeria Embassy in Ottawa as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Nigerian funeral director takes custody at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (ABV) cargo terminal. The National Population Commission (NPC) handles civil registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Nigeria is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Canada is widely available in all provinces. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Nigeria
When the body arrives in Nigeria
The Nigerian funeral director takes custody at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (ABV) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. The National Population Commission (NPC) handles civil registration of deaths. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified English translation where applicable; English is Nigeria's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. Nigeria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Nigeria. Nigeria is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the High Commission in Ottawa is required. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Canada, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Canada repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions