The Federal Government has commenced the review of 170 applications from foreign nationals seeking Nigerian citizenship, with officials emphasizing that only individuals of “strong character and impeccable integrity” will be approved.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in Abuja after presiding over a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which evaluates all citizenship requests before forwarding recommendations to President Bola Tinubu for final approval.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that Nigerian citizenship is a privilege reserved for individuals who embody the nation’s values.
“Anyone who wishes to become a citizen of our great country must possess strong character and integrity that reflect the true values of Nigeria,” he stated.
He explained that each of the 170 applications will undergo thorough background checks by a high-level panel comprising representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the minister, the Tinubu administration is determined to build a nation that commands respect and inspires confidence, both at home and abroad.
“We are working tirelessly to make Nigeria a prosperous and respected nation, a place people aspire to belong to,” Tunji-Ojo added.
153 Nigerians Return Home from Chad
In a related development, 153 Nigerians have returned home from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, October 27, 2025, around 12:15 p.m., aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC.
A statement from NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office revealed that the group comprised 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and three female infants.
Upon arrival, officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate smooth reintegration.
NEMA said the returnees received immediate humanitarian support, including food, clean water, medical care, ambulance services, logistics assistance, and counselling, in line with the government’s policy of ensuring safe and dignified repatriation of citizens.
The operation was jointly coordinated with the IOM, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other relevant agencies.
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