170 Foreigners Apply For Nigerian Citizenship, Says Tunji-Ojo

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that a total of 170 individuals from various countries across the world have applied for Nigerian citizenship.

A statement on Tuesday by Mary Ali, Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, noted that Dr Tunji-Ojo made this known in Abuja during a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship (ACNC), which he chairs.

The minister emphasised that Nigerian citizenship is a privilege that must be earned through integrity and commitment to the nation’s values, urging members of the committee to diligently scrutinise each application.

“Anyone who holds the citizenship of our great country must be a person of strong character and impeccable integrity, reflecting the true values of Nigeria,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises national integrity, security, and prosperity.

He warned that no one would be granted citizenship through illegal means or under false pretences.

He added that legal migration remains the acceptable path to acquiring Nigerian citizenship and cautioned that individuals posing potential security threats would not be approved.

“Nigeria remains the greatest asset to its citizens,” the minister said, while calling on all stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s integrity and greatness.

The meeting was attended by members of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Directors of Citizenship and Business and Legal Services in the ministry.