From Nollywood stars to music legends, a growing number of Nigerian entertainers have taken the bold step of acquiring United States citizenship.
Here’s a list of celebrities who have officially become Americans.
1. Regina Askia-Williams
The former beauty queen and Nollywood actress relocated to the United States in 2000. She later became a registered nurse in New York, building a new life abroad long before many of her peers considered the move.
2. Laide Bakare
The Yoruba actress obtained her U.S. citizenship and celebrated the milestone publicly. She explained that the decision was driven by her frequent travels and business ventures in real estate. “It makes life easier for me as someone that travels a lot. I have my children there,” she said.
3. Yomi Gold
The Nollywood actor relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, several years ago. He officially became a U.S. citizen in 2018, describing the moment as “one of my most memorable moments”.
4. Bigvai Jokotoye
The Nigerian-born actor, who has over two decades of experience in the industry, announced his U.S. citizenship with excitement, celebrating the milestone on social media.
5. eLDee (Eldee the Don)
The Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and record producer moved to the United States in 2002 and has been based in Atlanta, Georgia, ever since. He is officially recognized as a Nigerian-American artist.
6. Prince Eke
The Nollywood actor celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen in October 2022. He shared his excitement publicly, reflecting on the journey and the opportunities his new status brought.
7. Uche Jombo
The popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker became a U.S. citizen on her 43rd birthday in December 2022. Her colleague Ini Edo announced the news while celebrating her milestone birthday.
8. Dike Osinachi (Apama)
The actor and skit maker announced his U.S. citizenship in February 2023, flaunting his new American passport. He declared he would not be returning to Nigeria permanently, saying he needed to go abroad to make money for his family.
9. Lamboginny
The Nigerian singer, whose real name is Yinka Lawanson, became a U.S. citizen in March 2024. He shared his joy on Instagram, writing, “Today, I officially became an American citizen. Words can’t describe how grateful I’m to God almighty”.
10. Gbenro Ajibade
The Nollywood actor and producer completed his naturalization process on February 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. He publicly celebrated the achievement on social media, attributing it to divine intervention with the statement, “God did it”.
11. Korra Obidi
The popular dancer and influencer, who has been living in the United States for years, became a U.S. citizen on April 2, 2025. She shared photos from her swearing-in ceremony on Instagram.
12. Tunde Ednut
The Nigerian blogger became a U.S. citizen in May 2025 and also received the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, endorsed by former President Joe Biden. The award recognizes individuals who have completed over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.
13. Sonia Ogiri
The Nollywood actress announced her U.S. citizenship in July 2025, sharing photos of herself holding her citizenship certificate beside the American flag. She now lives in the United States with her son.
14. Lord of Ajasa
The veteran Yoruba rapper, Olusegun Osaniyi, became a U.S. citizen in October 2026. He announced the milestone on Instagram, posting photos from his naturalization ceremony with his wife, Funmi. “I’m now fighting for my new country,” he declared.
15. Grace-Charis Bassey (formerly Belinda Effah)
The former Nollywood actress, known for winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Act of the Year, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2025. She became a U.S. citizen after completing boot camp, dedicating the achievement to her late father, a former naval commander.
16. Princess Chineke
The former beauty queen and Nollywood actress enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2024. She explained her decision: “I’m an American Soldier, I am a member of a team. We are the Army and proud of our name. I answered the call of service to my country, to serve the people of the United States. This I will defend. So help me God” .
