Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Nigeria to Japan
For families bringing someone home to Japan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Nigeria to Japan: what to expect
Nigerian nationals in Japan form a small but established diaspora community, concentrated in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district and other major cities. Nigeria and Japan have bilateral diplomatic ties and trade links in oil, manufactured goods, and electronics. English documentation from Nigeria requires certified Japanese translation for Japanese municipal office (koseki) registration purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Abuja handles consular matters.
- Key document: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued, in English)
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. State-level variation applies.
- Police report required for unexpected or unattended deaths.
- Japan Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Nigeria
Contact the police (199 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the state civil registration office. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own procedures. Documentation is in English throughout. Lagos handles the majority of international cargo flights.
Step by step
Timeline: Nigeria to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state civil registration office. Death certificate issued.
Documentation in English. State-level processing times vary.
Local funeral director and state authority
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Quality variable outside Lagos and Abuja.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND) cargo terminal, or Osaka Kansai International (KIX) for western Japan. The local municipal office registers the death in the koseki (family registry). Cremation is standard in Japan and a cremation permit from the municipal office is required. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency assistance: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Nigeria to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Nigeria to Japan takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving police investigation or death in a remote state can take 6-12 weeks.
The core documents are: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The Japan Embassy in Abuja can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Abuja as soon as possible after the death.
Yes. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own civil registration office. Lagos and Abuja have more experienced international funeral providers and faster processing. Deaths in more remote states take longer.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) cargo terminal. The municipal office registers the death in the koseki. Cremation is standard and requires a municipal permit. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy in the origin country and require certified Japanese translation.
Yes. Cremation in Nigeria and bringing the ashes home to Japan is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Nigeria, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Japan.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Nigeria (gov.uk) · Nigeria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions