Issuance of nationality certificates in Benin: courts stripped of jurisdiction in favor of a centralized authority
The Ministry of Justice and Legislation announced in a memo dated July 21, 2025, the end of issuing nationality certificates by Beninese courts.
This decision marks a significant step in the implementation of a legislative reform aimed at centralizing and modernizing nationality management.
From now on, the processing of applications falls under the Authority in charge of issuing nationality-related acts (ADAN), a new body under the authority of the Minister of Justice. The announcement, made by note N°1058/MJL/DC/SGM/SA, instructs all jurisdictions to immediately cease this activity and transfer pending cases to the ADAN.
This reform is based on two major texts: law no. 2022-32 of December 20, 2022, establishing the Beninese nationality code, and law no. 2024-31 of September 2, 2024, regarding the recognition of nationality to Afro-descendants. Together, these laws consecrate an institutional refocusing on the attribution of nationality.
According to the ministry, the ADAN has a “national and exclusive” jurisdiction. It is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and deciding on all nationality applications, replacing the courts.
In this logic, chief clerks are invited to digitize ongoing case files and transfer them to the new structure. A detailed report on the measures taken is also required of each jurisdiction.
In continuation of this reform, the Beninese government launched, on July 4, 2025, in Cotonou, a digital platform dedicated to the African diaspora. Accessible via the website www.myafroorigins.bj, this tool allows Afro-descendants to initiate their Beninese nationality application online, without physical travel.
The initiative is part of a strong desire for openness and modernization, while ensuring better traceability and centralized management of nationality applications.
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