The Federal Government is currently reviewing 170 applications from foreigners seeking to become Nigerian citizens.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in Abuja during a review meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship, which he chairs.
Tunji-Ojo described Nigerian citizenship as a privilege reserved for individuals of proven integrity and character, stressing that it must be earned rather than granted arbitrarily.
He said, ‘Our promise stands. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our government will continue to do everything possible to make Nigeria a prosperous nation and a destination of choice for all.
‘I chaired a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, whose responsibility is to review and recommend applications for approval by the President. Before us for consideration are 170 applications from foreigners across the globe’.
According to the minister, the committee has senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
He noted that the ongoing exercise would be carried out with utmost transparency and integrity, adding that the applications would undergo thorough scrutiny before being forwarded to the President for final approval.
Tunji-Ojo charged members of the committee to ensure that only individuals of unquestionable character and good standing are recommended for Nigerian citizenship.
He further emphasised the importance of legal migration, warning that the government would not tolerate any attempt to obtain citizenship or naturalisation through fraudulent or illegal means.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said the committee’s work aligns with the administration’s broader vision of promoting national integrity, security, and prosperity.
He added, ‘Citizenship cannot and will not be granted to individuals who pose potential security threats. We must ensure that only the most deserving applicants are approved, in the best interest of our nation’.
