Fact-checking at relocation.ng is a recorded editorial process, not a badge added automatically after publication. The depth of checking depends on the claim, potential harm and availability of authoritative evidence.
Use the strongest available source
We prefer primary evidence. For immigration rules, this normally means legislation, a government department, immigration authority, embassy, consulate or official European institution. For a company, it can mean a corporate or professional register, contractual document, official domain or direct written response.
A search result, news article, adviser’s post or another applicant’s experience can identify a question but does not replace the authority responsible for the rule. Secondary material may be used for context when its role is clear.
Where sources disagree, the editor identifies their dates, jurisdiction and scope instead of selecting the most convenient statement. Unresolved uncertainty is disclosed or the claim is withheld.
Verify immigration information
The checker confirms the exact destination, route, applicant location and responsible authority. Similar visa names can conceal different legal categories, and a general government page may not contain the local Nigerian submission arrangement.
Volatile details receive special treatment. Fees, salary thresholds, maintenance figures, exchange rates, application-centre arrangements and processing estimates are either linked to the live source or accompanied by the date checked. A processing estimate is not presented as a guaranteed decision date.
The reviewer tests whether the article separates short visits from residence, visas from permits, government decisions from application-centre services and general information from individual legal advice. Material claims should be traceable to a source or clearly labelled analysis.
Check company claims
Company research begins by matching the trading brand to a legal entity and official website. Registration, professional authorisation, office details, service claims, pricing, terms and responsible personnel are treated as separate facts.
A corporate registration confirms the existence of an entity, not immigration-law authorisation or service quality. If a provider claims regulated status, the checker searches the relevant regulator’s own register and records the individual or entity matched, jurisdiction, status and date.
Companies may clarify factual questions and provide documents. Their statements are attributed and are not automatically treated as independent proof. A lack of response is recorded neutrally and does not establish misconduct.
Assess reader submissions responsibly
Moderation checks whether a reader review relates to the listed provider, describes a relevant experience and avoids unnecessary personal or sensitive information. Editors look for obvious duplication, coordinated manipulation, conflicts and content that creates legal or safety risks.
“Evidence checked” means an editor inspected material relevant to the reported interaction. It does not mean that every statement was proved, that the editor adjudicated a dispute or that private documents should be published.
Readers are instructed not to send passports, complete bank records, login credentials or unrelated personal data. Where evidence is genuinely necessary, only the minimum should be requested through a separately assessed secure process.
Record dates, evidence and uncertainty
The editorial record should include the page, material claims checked, source URL or document, access date, checker and resulting change. A meaningful update date reflects substantive review rather than a spelling correction.
When a fact cannot be established, the article says so. Language such as “the company states”, “the public register showed” or “we could not independently verify” helps distinguish attribution, verification and an evidence gap.
Editors must not fabricate a source, credential, quote, first-hand test or contact attempt. Automated tools can assist with comparison and broken-link detection but do not replace human responsibility for publication.
Recheck and correct published work
Rechecking is prioritised by reader impact, volatility and risk. A government announcement, broken official link, changed fee, regulator action, credible correction request or scheduled review can trigger an update.
Material errors are handled under the corrections policy. The editor corrects the claim, reviews related passages and adds an explanatory note where readers could otherwise misunderstand the earlier version.
Our broader sourcing and independence rules are set out in the editorial policy.
Fact-checking FAQ
Are official sources used for every immigration guide?
They are prioritised wherever an official authority or legislative source exists, with secondary sources used only for appropriate context.
What does evidence checked mean on a reader review?
An editor inspected relevant supporting material; it is not a legal finding or proof of every statement.
Why are some amounts dated?
Fees, thresholds and exchange rates change. A date shows when the figure was verified and prompts readers to recheck before acting.
Can a company supply evidence for its profile?
Yes. The evidence is assessed under the same standard and does not give the company control over the conclusion.
How can I challenge a factual claim?
Use the contact page with the exact page, disputed wording and strongest primary evidence available.
Official sources
Immigration rules can change without notice. Check the relevant authority before paying a fee, booking travel or submitting an application.