The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that 170 foreigners have formally applied to become Nigerian citizens, signaling growing interest in the country as a place to live, work, and invest.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Tunji-Ojo said the applications were received through the Ministry’s Citizenship and Business Department, noting that the move underscores Nigeria’s growing appeal within Africa and beyond.
According to him, the applications are currently undergoing a rigorous screening process by the Citizenship Advisory Committee before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for final approval. He explained that the committee evaluates each applicant’s background, economic contributions, and integration into Nigerian society before making recommendations.
“The fact that we have 170 new applications shows that people from different parts of the world see value in being part of the Nigerian story,” the Minister stated. “Citizenship is not just a privilege it reflects trust in our systems, our people, and our future.”
Tunji-Ojo added that the Federal Government remains committed to promoting lawful migration and strengthening national security through transparent naturalization procedures. He also emphasized that the Interior Ministry is working to simplify administrative bottlenecks and modernize its operations through digital reforms.
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Recent records show that hundreds of foreigners from African, Asian, and European countries have expressed interest in acquiring Nigerian citizenship in the past few years, often citing Nigeria’s expanding economy, cultural diversity, and regional influence as motivating factors.
The latest batch of applications, once approved, will join the growing number of naturalized citizens who contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic development. Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the Tinubu administration’s ongoing reforms aim to ensure that every new citizen shares in the country’s commitment to unity, productivity, and patriotism.