ABSTRACT
This research project entitled ‘AN APPRAISAL OF THE APPLICATION OF THE
LAW RELATING TO DOMICILE IN NIGERIA’, is aimed at examining the legal
framework of the law relating to the concept of Domicile in Nigeria. However, in the
course of this research, the finding of the researcher is that there is a gaping hole in
the application of the rules of Domicile especially that of Domicile of Choice in inter-
state situation like Nigeria. For instance, according to the traditional concept, the
rule of Domicile is to the effect that, to acquire a Domicile of choice, a person must
satisfy, amongst others, a principal condition that he must have an intention of
remaining in a country or place permanently or at least, indefinitely. This is not
practically possible or feasible in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country made up of many
States with various ethnic flavors where there is a high mobility of persons as a result
of inter-marriages, work and search for ‘greener pastures’. The need to address this
unsuitable circumstance constitutes the justification for this research. In the light of
this, therefore, the objective of this research is to identify the challenges of the present
practice to make viable recommendation as a way forward to addressing the
challenges identified. In the final analysis, this research work is concluded by
recommending, amongst others, that there should be a consideration of habitual
residence as a requirement for acquisition of Domicile of choice rather than intention
to reside permanently in a place. The research methodology relied upon will be
doctrinaland the sources of information include relevant text materials, statutes,
judicial decisions, journals and internet sources.
