A claim suggesting that children of Nigerian women are denied Nigerian citizenship due to their mother’s gender has been debunked, with the 1999 Nigerian Constitution affirming equal citizenship rights for children of Nigerian parents, regardless of gender. This clarification comes amid discussions referencing UK politician Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian who has highlighted her Nigerian heritage while navigating her identity as a UK citizen.
According to Chapter 3, Section 25(1)(c) of the Constitution, any person born to a parent who is a Nigerian citizen by birth is automatically a Nigerian citizen by descent, whether born in Nigeria or abroad. This provision applies equally to children of Nigerian mothers and fathers, refuting claims of gender-based discrimination in citizenship laws.
Legal experts note that while the law is clear, bureaucratic hurdles or lack of awareness may create challenges in registering citizenship. “The Constitution ensures equal rights for children of Nigerian women,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a constitutional lawyer. “Any issues are administrative, not legal.”
The claim also suggested Nigerians “easily” obtain UK citizenship, a process Badenoch’s experience contradicts, as UK citizenship requires meeting strict criteria like residency or ancestry. Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents, has spoken about her dual identity, emphasizing the complexities of citizenship processes.
The Nigerian government is urged to streamline administrative processes to ensure seamless implementation of citizenship laws, reinforcing equal rights for all citizens.
