The Controversy Surrounding Kemi Badenoch’s Comments on Nigerian Citizenship

Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative Party leader, has been at the center of a controversy surrounding her comments on Nigerian citizenship. Badenoch claimed that she cannot pass her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she’s a woman.

However, this statement has been disputed by legal experts and fact-checkers, who point to Section 25(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section clearly states that a person born outside Nigeria is a citizen of Nigeria if either of their parents is Nigerian, regardless of gender.

Nigerian citizenship is governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the principles and procedures for acquiring and losing citizenship. According to the Constitution, citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, or naturalization.

A person born in Nigeria on or after October 1, 1960, is a citizen of Nigeria if one of their parents or grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria. This provision ensures that individuals born in Nigeria have a clear pathway to citizenship.

Also, a person born outside Nigeria whose father or mother is a citizen of Nigeria qualifies as a citizen of Nigeria. This provision allows individuals who have a Nigerian parent to claim citizenship, regardless of their place of birth.

And a person who has lived in Nigeria for a certain period and meets specific requirements can apply for citizenship through naturalization. This process involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, including residency requirements, good character, and a demonstrated commitment to Nigeria.

Badenoch’s comments have sparked debate, with some accusing her of attempting to justify anti-immigration policies by misrepresenting Nigeria’s citizenship laws. Many have criticized Badenoch’s comments, arguing that they reflect a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of Nigerian citizenship laws.

Legal practitioners and experts affirm that having one Nigerian parent is sufficient for citizenship by birth, and Nigerian women can pass on their citizenship to their children without administrative barriers.

Diasporan Nigerians, individuals who have Nigerian ancestry or connections living abroad, often maintain strong ties to Nigeria and contribute to the country’s development through remittances, investments, and other forms of engagement. These individuals may face unique challenges and opportunities in navigating Nigerian citizenship laws and policies.

Although the UK’s politics and policies on immigration and citizenship have been shaped by a complex array of factors, including historical ties to its former colonies, economic considerations, and public opinion. The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has been at the forefront of debates on immigration and citizenship, with some critics arguing that the party’s policies are driven by a desire to restrict immigration and promote a particular vision of British identity.

Badenoch’s comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the complexities of Nigerian citizenship. Nigeria is a nation with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The country’s citizenship laws are designed to reflect this diversity and provide pathways for individuals to acquire citizenship.

According to the Nigerian Immigration Service, over 100,000 people acquire Nigerian citizenship through naturalization every year. This demonstrates the significance of citizenship in Nigeria and the number of people who are interested in becoming part of the Nigerian community.

Additionally, Nigeria has a large diaspora community, with many individuals who have Nigerian ancestry or connections living abroad. These individuals often maintain strong ties to Nigeria and contribute to the country’s development through remittances, investments, and other forms of engagement.

For a person like Kemi Badenoch to better understand the complexities of Nigerian citizenship, it is essential to engage with the Nigerian community and experts on Nigerian affairs. This will help to promote a more nuanced understanding of the country’s citizenship laws and policies.

Additionally, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize the development of inclusive and effective citizenship policies that reflect the diversity and complexity of Nigerian society. This will help to promote national cohesion, stability, and development.

The United States has embarked on a significant shift in its policy towards Africa, moving from a traditional aid-based approach to a trade-focused strategy.

This change in approach was underscored by President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with leaders from five West African nations, including Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

Interestingly, the US has long been engaged in Africa through various forms of aid and assistance, but the new approach prioritizes trade and investment as a means of promoting economic growth and development on the continent.

According to Trump, “We’re shifting from aid to trade. In the long run, this will be far more effective and sustainable and beneficial than anything else that we could be doing together.”

The meeting between Trump and the West African leaders highlighted the potential for increased economic engagement between the US and Africa. The leaders showcased their countries’ natural resources, with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani listing rare earths, manganese, uranium, and possibly lithium as resources available for investment.

The US is already a significant trading partner with Africa, with total goods trade between the US and Africa estimated at $71.6 billion in 2024.

US goods exports to Africa increased by 11.9% to $32.1 billion, while US goods imports from Africa rose by 1.9% to $39.5 billion ¹.

No doubt, Africa presents significant economic opportunities for the US, with many of the fastest-growing economies in the world located on the continent. The International Monetary Fund has highlighted sub-Saharan Africa’s rapid growth, making it an attractive region for investment.

The US policy shift towards trade and investment in Africa is driven by a desire to promote economic growth and development on the continent.

According to a senior State Department official, “Trade, not aid, a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa.” This approach is expected to create new opportunities for US businesses and investors in Africa.

While the new policy presents opportunities for economic engagement, it also poses challenges. African countries face mounting economic challenges due to US tariffs introduced as part of trade measures.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is considering a coordinated response to rising trade tensions with the US.

COMESA, Africa’s largest trade alliance, represents 19 member states and a population of about 390 million.

The bloc is preparing to push back against US tariff measures that have impacted several African countries. The goal is to unlock new markets and offset the impact of recently imposed US tariffs.

The US tariffs have drawn criticism from COMESA and other African trade blocs, which argue that they undermine the benefits African countries enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA has granted eligible African nations duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.

African leaders have urged the US to review its tariffs on African exports, calling for a shift towards transformative partnerships and investment in Africa’s economic potential. According to African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, “What is needed is more trade between Africa and the US, not less.”

The US-Africa trade relationship has been strengthening, with trade between the two regions steadily rising. The US Trade Representative and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2022 to promote equitable, sustainable, and inclusive trade.

The US is expected to invest $55 billion in Africa over the next three years, with a focus on sustainable energy, health systems, agribusiness, digital connectivity, infrastructure, and finance.

This investment is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and development in Africa.

The US shift in focus to trade in Africa marks a new era of economic engagement between the two regions.

While challenges exist, the potential for increased economic cooperation and investment is significant. As African leaders and the US continue to navigate this new landscape, it is clear that trade and investment will play a critical role in shaping the future of US-Africa relations.

Nigeria Academic Union, ASUU Elects New President

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new president.

Prof. Piwuna, who also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, succeeds Prof. Victor Osodeke, a professor of soil science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

His election took place during the 23rd National Delegates Congress of the Union, held on Sunday in Benin City, Edo State.

Prof. Piwuna emerged victorious over Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in a closely contested vote.

His emergence comes at a critical time for the union, with growing speculation about a potential industrial action. This follows disputes over the allocation of recently released earned academic allowances, ongoing concerns about brain drain, and other unresolved issues in the university system.

It will be recalled that on April 23, 2025, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the release of N50 billion to settle outstanding allowances owed to university staff.