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

He stated this in Abuja during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship (ACNC), which he chairs.

In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja by the assistant director of press, Ministry of Interior, Mary Ali, the minister stated that Nigerian citizenship is a privilege that must be earned, adding there was the need for thorough scrutiny of all applicants. 

He charged members of the committee to diligently vet every application and ensure that only individuals of proven integrity and good character are considered worthy of Nigerian citizenship.

“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,” the minister stated.

The statement added that Tunji-Ojo further stressed that legal migration must be respected, noting that his administration will not tolerate any attempt to obtain Nigerian citizenship or naturalisation through illegal means.

While reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister highlighted that the committee’s work directly supports the government’s vision of national integrity, security, and prosperity.

He added that citizenship cannot be granted to individuals who pose potential security threats, urging members of the committee to uphold the trust placed in them and ensure that only the most deserving applicants are approved

“Nigeria remains the greatest asset to its citizens,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said. Members of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship include: the permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior; representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice; representatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); as well as the directors of Citizenship and Business and Legal Services of the Ministry of Interior.