The Federal Government has begun reviewing the applications of 170 foreigners seeking to obtain Nigerian citizenship.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in Abuja during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship, which he chairs.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that Nigerian citizenship is not an automatic right but a privilege reserved for individuals of proven integrity and character. He said the government would continue to uphold transparency and due diligence in the citizenship process.
“Our promise stands. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will continue working to make Nigeria a prosperous nation and a preferred destination for people around the world,” the minister said.
He explained that the committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified applicants for final approval by the President. The 170 applications, according to him, came from foreigners across different continents.
The committee, Tunji-Ojo added, includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), all working together to ensure a thorough and credible review process.
He assured that the exercise would be conducted with the highest level of integrity, noting that only applicants of good character and genuine intent would be recommended for citizenship.
Tunji-Ojo also warned against fraudulent or illegal means of acquiring Nigerian citizenship, emphasizing that the government would not compromise national security.
“Citizenship cannot and will not be granted to anyone who poses a potential security threat. We must ensure that only the most deserving individuals are approved, in the best interest of our nation,” he said.
Reaffirming the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said the screening aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision to strengthen national integrity, promote legal migration, and make Nigeria an inclusive and secure society.
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