The Federal Government is currently processing 170 applications from foreigners seeking Nigerian citizenship.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in Abuja during a review meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship (ACNC).
Tunji-Ojo, who chairs the committee, said Nigerian citizenship is a privilege reserved for people of proven integrity and strong character. He emphasised that each application would be thoroughly scrutinised before being presented to the President for final approval.
He urged committee members to ensure that only credible and deserving individuals are considered, noting that citizenship represents the nation’s values and must be treated with utmost seriousness.
“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 said.
The minister warned against attempts to obtain citizenship through illegal means, stressing that legal migration processes must always be followed. He said the ministry remains committed to upholding transparency and credibility in citizenship administration.
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tunji-Ojo said the committee’s work supports national integrity, security, and prosperity. He added that no individual posing security risks would be granted Nigerian citizenship.
A statement by the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Press, Mary Ali, listed members of the committee as representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Justice; the State Security Service; and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
