At least 170 foreign nationals have applied for Nigerian citizenship, according to Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The Minister announced via the ministry’s WhatsApp channel that the Citizenship Advisory Committee has begun reviewing the applications. The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigerian citizenship—“a privilege of the largest black nation on earth”—will only be granted with transparency and integrity. He said the government remains committed to ensuring only qualified applicants are approved.
Records show that between 2017 and 2023, Nigeria conferred citizenship on 1,006 foreigners through naturalisation or registration. The last investiture ceremony took place in May 2023, when 385 people received certificates under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Since President Bola Tinubu took office, no new citizenship ceremonies have been held.
