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ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Federal Government officially granted Nigerian citizenship to at least 1,006 foreign nationals from 2017 to 2023, as uncovered by Sunday.
Although the Ministry of Interior organizes investiture events where new citizens are publicly presented their certificates, it was found that others attained citizenship through regular administrative channels.
The inaugural investiture took place on May 17, 2017, at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, where former President Muhammadu Buhari awarded certificates to 335 new Nigerians, including Ethiopian-born model Lara Fortes, who had wed the then Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, two years earlier.
According to the then Interior Minister, Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), the total included 245 individuals who were naturalized after 15 years of lawful residency, along with 90 by registration, consisting of spouses and children of citizens.
Dambazau emphasized that every recipient underwent thorough security vetting and a review by the Federal Executive Council.
After a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and administrative delays, the second public ceremony occurred on September 15, 2022, with President Buhari granting certificates to 286 foreign nationals.
This group included 86 Lebanese, 14 British, and four Americans, with 208 having met the 15-year residency requirement and 78 qualifying through spousal or parental connections to Nigerian citizens.
The final known investiture happened on May 27, 2023, just two days before Buhari ended his eight-year term. On his behalf, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo witnessed the presentation of citizenship to 385 applicants at the Nigeria Correctional Service headquarters.
Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola noted that the years 2022 and 2023 collectively accounted for 671 new citizens, which he described as “the highest number under any Nigerian government.”
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Citizenship Act authorize the President, with advice from the Federal Executive Council, to grant citizenship through naturalization or registration.
A foreigner qualifies for naturalization after 15 years of lawful residency (including at least 10 years continuously just before applying), maintaining good character, and having a clear security and tax history. They may also gain citizenship if married to a Nigerian citizen for a minimum of 15 years or if born abroad to a Nigerian parent.
In practice, applicants submit forms and required documentation to the Ministry of Interior, where the Citizenship Division verifies their identity, residency history, and character references.
The DSS conducts security checks, and other agencies confirm tax compliance and the absence of criminal records. Approved applications are then submitted to the Federal Executive Council, overseen by the President.
Upon the President's approval, successful candidates typically take the Oath of Allegiance during a public ceremony, receive a citizenship certificate, and gain access to Nigerian passports and associated rights. Since President Bola Tinubu's inauguration in May 2023, no public citizenship ceremonies have taken place.
However, the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, informed our correspondent that several approved applicants are currently undergoing DSS background checks.
