The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned Kemi Badenoch for claiming that Nigerian law prevents her from passing citizenship to her children because she is a woman.
Dabiri-Erewa described the claim as “false and misleading”, saying the UK Conservative Party leader was misinforming the public about Nigerian citizenship laws.
Kemi Badenoch’s Statement Is Untrue – Dabiri-Erewa
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, the NIDCOM boss clarified that Nigerian citizenship laws apply equally to both male and female parents.
“But that is not true. Don’t divulge false information. You go on international media and spin a lie — that is a lie — that is not even true. And I’m sure people have responded,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She pointed out that Section 25(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution allows children born outside Nigeria to obtain Nigerian citizenship if either parent is Nigerian — whether father or mother.
Dabiri-Erewa: You Can’t Denigrate Nigeria and Go Unchallenged
The NIDCOM chairman went further to state that while Nigeria respects its citizens abroad, publicly discrediting Nigeria cannot be overlooked.
“It’s not about me, or the President, or you — it’s about Nigeria. You can’t lie about your country, and then we keep quiet,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that many Nigerians are thriving in the UK political space and should not be overshadowed by what she called “unfounded claims”.
Kemi Badenoch’s Citizenship Remark Draws Strong Reactions in Nigeria
In her original interview, Kemi Badenoch had said: “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.”
The statement triggered a wave of criticism in Nigeria. Prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) slammed her comment as “a display of ignorance,” adding that Badenoch was misleading the British public for political gain.
Badenoch’s History of Controversial Comments on Nigeria
This is not the first time Kemi Badenoch has faced backlash in Nigeria. In December 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima accused her of constantly portraying Nigeria in a negative light. Around that time, she was also criticised for saying Northern Nigerians were “ethnic enemies” and for claiming Nigerian police once stole from her brother.
Femi Fani-Kayode also criticised her remarks, calling her out for relying on the same Nigerian police she condemned, as they were reportedly still protecting her family in Lagos.
Kemi Badenoch’s Citizenship Comment Sparks Outrage Over Nigeria’s Image
The statement made by Kemi Badenoch about Nigerian citizenship laws has stirred anger among Nigerians, especially those in government and the diaspora. For many, her words are more than just inaccurate — they are viewed as harmful and damaging to Nigeria’s global image.
As Dabiri-Erewa made clear: “When you denigrate your country, we reply to you.” The backlash against Badenoch’s false citizenship claim shows that Nigerians at home and abroad will no longer remain silent when misrepresented.
