By Opeyemi Quadri 
Police Clearance Certificate (also called Police Character Certificate or PCC) in Nigeria is an official document issued by the Nigeria Police Force confirming an individual’s criminal record status (or lack thereof) in Nigeria.
It is commonly required for visas, immigration, employment, education, or other official purposes. It is available to Nigerian citizens and foreigners who have lived in Nigeria for at least 30 days. The certificate is typically valid for three months from the date of issue.
The primary and recommended method is the online process through the official Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) portal.
It is advisable to use the online application portal called POSSAP if you want to avoid intermediaries or unofficial payments, although physical application is still available at the NPF CID Office at Alagbon, Oloyin, Lagos. Here, we cover the two methods of applications
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Official Online Application via POSSAP (Recommended)
- Visit the official portal: https://possap.gov.ng/
- Create an account or log in (use a valid email and phone number).
- Select “Request a Service” / “Individual” and choose Police Character Certificate.
- Complete the online form with required details, which typically include: Identification type and number (National Identification Number/NIN, Bank Verification Number/BVN, or International Passport), Full name, Phone number and email address, Gender, State of residence, Local Government Area, and residential address, Alternative contact (optional), Purpose of the request (and destination country if for foreign use)
- Upload supporting documents as prompted (e.g., passport photograph, passport bio-data page, or other ID). Ensure files are under size limits (reports note under 2 MB).
- Review and submit the application.
- Pay the one-time, non-refundable fee via the generated invoice/payment gateway on the portal only (accepted methods typically include cards, bank transfer, or Remita-linked options). The price was ₦30,000 at the last time we checked (confirm the exact amount on the portal at the time of application, as figures can be updated).
- Schedule and attend biometric/fingerprint capture at the nearest designated police criminal registry or selected police command/formation (bring payment receipt/confirmation code and valid ID). Applicants residing in Nigeria must appear in person on the scheduled date.
After biometrics and background checks, the application is processed. Processing and issuance typically require a minimum of 72 hours (some official notes indicate 48–72 hours after biometrics/approval; overall timelines reported as a few days to 1–2 weeks or longer depending on volume and completeness).
The certificate is sent to your registered email and/or available for download by logging into your POSSAP account.
Applying for police clearance certificate from Abroad?
If you are outside Nigeria, your options include applying via POSSAP (with certified fingerprints uploaded if available), mailing documents (completed form, certified fingerprints from a recognized police authority or Nigerian embassy/consulate, passport copy, prepaid return envelope, and payment) to the Central Criminal Registry in Lagos, or using a trusted proxy in Nigeria.
Also, Nigerian missions abroad generally do not issue the certificate themselves but may assist with fingerprint certification or authentication. Timelines are longer (weeks to months).
In-Person method (physical application at Alagbon)
Visit the Central Criminal Registry at Force CID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos (primary issuing location) or a state CID/designated office. Bring valid ID (passport preferred), passport photos, proof of address, and pay applicable fees. Fingerprints are taken on-site. Processing can take hours, days or weeks, depending on the officer handling your application.
NIN or BVN is frequently required or strongly preferred for the online process.
Validation, Authentication & Tips
Certificates issued via POSSAP can often be validated online on the portal by entering the document number.
For use abroad, additional authentication/legalization at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and possibly the destination country’s embassy) is commonly needed.
Track status by logging into your POSSAP account. Contact support via info@possap.gov.ng or the listed phone (e.g., 02018884040) with your file/application number if needed. Report issues or corruption attempts through official Police Complaint channels.
User experiences shared publicly (including recent posts) stress that the POSSAP route eliminates the need for bribes—complete the form, pay officially, complete biometrics, and wait for the emailed/downloadable certificate. Processing can sometimes stretch beyond the minimum if documents need clarification.
