CITIZENSHIP IN NIGERIA-EXAMINATION OF THE PROCEDURE OF ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP BY IMMIGRANTS

Author: OGHENEBRUME JOHANNA CHUKWU

Abstract

This dissertation examines Citizenship in Nigeria and the Procedure of acquiring Citizenship by Immigrants. The aim and objectives of this study, is to examine the procedure for acquiring citizenship in Nigeria and to further identify the challenges faced by immigrants in acquisition of citizenship in Nigeria. For this study information has been gathered from primary sources such as the Nigerian Immigration law 2015, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and other enactments in force in Nigeria, and case law. Also, treaties, convention of world Organizations, e.g. ECOWAS have been used in this research. Reference is also made to secondary materials consisting of published and unpublished materials, journals, books of expert etc. Again questioners where sent out to further identify the process of entry into Nigeria by non Nigerians, to highlight what the respective immigration policies of Nigeria is on immigrants and to examine the requirements for entry into Nigeria by foreigners. This work provided the comparative analysis of citizenship in some part of the world like U.S.A, Britain and West Africa. This work observed that the number of foreigners who obtain citizenship in Nigeria is low when compered to how Nigerian citizens crave to and acquire citizenship of other countries like U.K and U.S. Joblessness, lack of infrastructural development, insecurity,are situations in Nigeria which pose a challenge to immigrants who are desirous of acquiring Nigerian citizenship. It is recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should make the economy viable, should create a vibrant investment policy in the country, creates jobs which would be of benefit to both citizens and immigrants in Nigeria. The Nigerian Immigration Service should intensify a good routine mob up operation to reduce illegal immigrants in the country. Immigrants in the country must be law abiding and should be able to contribute to the development of the country.

Professor M.O.U. Gasiokwu