Kemi Badenoch Raises Concerns Over Nigerian Citizenship Laws In CNN Interview.
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has sparked debate with comments made during an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, highlighting disparities between Nigerian and British citizenship laws. The British politician, born to Nigerian Yoruba parents, expressed frustration that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender, while pointing out that Nigerians can acquire British citizenship with relative ease.
Badenoch, who spent much of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16, used the platform to contrast the immigration policies of the two nations. She noted that Nigeria’s citizenship laws prevent her from conferring citizenship to her three children because she is a woman, a restriction she described as unfair. “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, but I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” she said. In contrast, she argued that the UK’s more lenient system allows Nigerians to gain British citizenship after a relatively short period of residency, which she suggested leaves the country vulnerable to exploitation.
The Conservative leader’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on immigration, where she advocated for stricter policies in the UK. Badenoch, who has been vocal about her conservative stance on cultural and immigration issues, argued that the British system is sometimes taken advantage of by immigrants who engage in practices that would not be tolerated in their home countries. “There are many people who come to our country, to the UK, who do things that would not be acceptable in their countries,” she stated, citing examples of cultural practices like child marriage or criminalisation of certain groups.
However, Badenoch’s claim about Nigerian citizenship laws has drawn scrutiny. Section 25(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution states that a person born outside Nigeria is eligible for citizenship if either parent is a Nigerian citizen, regardless of gender. This provision suggests that her children could, in fact, be eligible for Nigerian citizenship, contrary to her assertion. The discrepancy has prompted discussions about whether Badenoch’s statement reflects a misunderstanding of the law or highlights practical barriers in its implementation.
Her comments have also reignited tensions with Nigerian officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who previously criticised Badenoch for what he described as “constantly denigrating” Nigeria. Despite the backlash, Badenoch has stood firm, with her spokesperson emphasising that she is not responsible for promoting Nigeria’s image. The politician, who identifies strongly with her Yoruba heritage, has often distanced herself from a broader Nigerian identity, citing cultural differences and negative experiences, such as her family’s struggles with poverty and insecurity during her childhood in Lagos.
Badenoch’s rise to prominence as the first Black leader of the Conservative Party has been hailed as a significant milestone. However, her outspoken views on Nigeria and immigration continue to polarise opinions. Supporters praise her for her candidness and focus on merit-based success, while critics argue that her rhetoric risks alienating the Nigerian diaspora and oversimplifying complex issues.
As the debate unfolds, Badenoch’s comments underscore the challenges of navigating dual identities in global politics. Her call for a rethink on immigration policies, paired with her personal reflections on citizenship, is likely to keep her in the spotlight as she leads the Conservative Party in opposition.
