The Federal Government has begun reviewing 170 applications from foreign nationals seeking Nigerian citizenship, but only those of “strong character and impeccable integrity” will make the cut.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Interior Minister, disclosed this in Abuja after chairing a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which vets all citizenship requests before forwarding recommendations to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
Tunji-Ojo noted that citizenship of the world’s largest Black nation is not for everyone.
“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,” he declared.
According to the Minister, the 170 applications will undergo rigorous scrutiny by a high-level panel made up of representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said Tinubu administration is committed to building a nation that inspires pride and trust, not just among citizens but also in the eyes of the world.
“We’re doing everything possible to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all.
Meanwhile, 153 Nigerian returnees from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the Federal Government have been received the National Emergency Management Agency.
The Lagos Operations Office of NEMA via X on Tuesday, in a statement, explained that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, October 27, 2025, at about 12:15 pm aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC.
It stated that the breakdown of the returnees included 105 adults, 63 males and 42 females, 45 children, 25 males and 20 females, and 3 infants, all females. He said upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate their smooth reintegration into the country.
NEMA said, in line with the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care and ambulance services, luggage handling and logistics support, as well as general coordination and counselling services.
The agency explained that the operation was jointly coordinated with IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
