NIDCOM Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa Debunks Kemi Badenoch’s Citizenship Claim
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly criticized UK Conservative Party leader and Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, over her controversial claim that Nigerian women cannot pass citizenship to their children.
Dabiri-Erewa: “Badenoch’s Statement Is Misleading and Untrue”
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’ on Friday, Dabiri-Erewa described Badenoch’s remarks as “entirely untrue and misleading”, arguing that they misrepresent the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
“That is not true. Don’t divulge false information,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “You go on international media and spin a lie — that is not even true. And I’m sure people have responded.”
The NIDCOM boss cited Section 25(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly provides that a person born outside Nigeria can obtain Nigerian citizenship if either parent is a citizen — regardless of gender.
You Can’t Lie About Your Country and Expect Silence
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that while Nigerians in the diaspora are free to voice their opinions, misrepresenting facts about the nation must be addressed.
“When you denigrate your country, we reply to you,” she said. “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 pointed out that numerous Nigerians are thriving in the UK’s political space and advised against focusing on a single negative narrative.
“There are many who are doing very well politically. So ours is to continue to work with every Nigerian in the diaspora, but you can’t force anybody to love their country,” Dabiri-Erewa added.
Badenoch’s Controversial Statement Sparks Reactions
Thewatch.ng recalls that Kemi Badenoch sparked widespread criticism after claiming in a recent interview:
“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.”
Badenoch went on to compare Nigerian citizenship laws to the UK’s, saying:
“Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”
Her comments have since drawn backlash from Nigerians both at home and abroad, many of whom have called them inaccurate, divisive, and damaging.
