A Rebuttal To Kemi Badenoch’s Stance On Nigerian Citizenship

I respectfully disagree with Kemi Badenoch’s recent assertion that her children cannot acquire Nigerian citizenship because she is a woman married to a British man. This statement does not accurately reflect the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution regarding citizenship.

Nigeria’s nationality law is rooted in the principle of jus sanguinis , which allows citizenship to be passed down through descent. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), clearly provides that a person born to a Nigerian parent—regardless of the place of birth—may be eligible for Nigerian citizenship. Specifically, Section 25(1) of the Constitution outlines the conditions for citizenship by birth, while Section 26(1) addresses citizenship by registration.

Given that Kemi Badenoch is a Nigerian citizen by birth, by virtue of Section 25(1)(c) of the Constitution, her children are entitled to Nigerian citizenship under the provisions of the said section 25 (1) c and / or section 26(1)(b), either through parental descent or grandparental lineage. These provisions ensure that : a) children born to Nigerian citizens – whether the mother or father— can acquire citizenship, regardless of where they were born or the citizenship of the other parent ; and b) every person of full age and capacity born outside Nigeria any of whose grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria may be registered as a citizen of Nigeria.

As a leader of thought, Ms. Badenoch ought to know that there is a need for accuracy and clarity in public discourse on a topical subject matter like citizenship. Distortion of facts in this respect can lead to misconceptions and inaccurate public understanding of our citizenship laws. It is imperative that public figures exercise diligence in representing the law to avoid perpetuating false narratives that could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s legal framework and national identity.

In conclusion, Kemi Badenoch’s assertion about her children’s inability to acquire Nigerian citizenship due to her gender is non sequitur . We must disregard this assertion as contra legem as it is certainly not an accurate reflection of Nigeria’s citizenship regime.

Prince Ebere Nwokoro is the 1st Vice President, Nigerian Immigration Lawyers Association (NILA)