citizenship and civic responsibility WEEK 9

what is citizenship

Citizenship refers to an individual’s legal membership in a state, which grants specific rights such as protection, political participation, and access to public services, while also imposing duties and obligations.

what is civic responsibility

Civic responsibility requires citizens to obey laws, pay taxes, respect public property, and actively participate in public life through activities like voting and community engagement.

three ways citizenship can be acquired in Nigeria

• birth

• naturalization

• registration

explain citizenship by birth

this form of citizenship is automatically granted to individuals born within Nigerian territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality. It is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusivity.

To qualify for this type of citizenship, one must meet one of the under listed criteria:

• Born in Nigeria before/ after October 1, 1960, with at least one parent or grandparent who is a Nigerian citizen.

• Born outside with at least one parent who is a Nigerian citizen.

explain citizenship by naturalization

This type of citizenship is meant to offer a path for foreign nationals to become full-fledged citizens in Nigeria. This process involves legally acquiring Nigerian citizenship after meeting specific criteria and following established procedures. (the requirement and documents are in the notes)

document required for citizenship by naturalization

• Passport Photograph.

• Birth Certificate.

• Evidence of Means of Livelihood.

• Tax Clearance Certificate.

• Residence Permit.

what is citizenship by registeration

This process allows individuals who meet specific criteria to become Nigerian citizens without being born in the country or having Nigerian parents. It entails formally applying for and obtaining Nigerian citizenship through a legal registration process.

to be eligible for citizenship by registration in Nigeria, you must belong to one of these categories:

• Women married to Nigerian citizens

• Persons of Nigerian descent born outside Nigeria

• Persons born outside Nigeria whose grandparents were Nigerian citizens

how to obtain citizenship by birth in Nigeria

If you were born in Nigeria to at least one Nigerian parent, you automatically qualify for citizenship. Simply apply for a Nigerian passport or national ID card to formalize your status.

how to obtain citizenship by naturalization

• To become a naturalized citizen, you must:

• Reside in Nigeria for at least 15 years

• Be of good character

• Intend to remain in Nigeria

• Take an oath of allegiance

Apply through the Ministry of Interior, providing necessary documentation and undergoing interviews.

how to obtain citizenship through registeration

For those born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent, you can register as a citizen. Submit your birth certificate, parent’s Nigerian documents, and a completed application to the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.

what is dual citizenship

Dual citizenship, one of the types of citizenship recognized in Nigeria, allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously.

• in Nigeria, dual citizenship is primarily available to individuals by birth or descent. 

• Nigerian-born citizens who acquire citizenship in another country can retain their Nigerian   citizenship. 

• Similarly, individuals born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents may claim dual citizenship.

advantages that dual citizenship offers

• Expanded travel opportunities

• Access to social services in both countries

• Potential for increased business and employment prospects

what does it mean to renunce your citizenship

Renunciation of citizenship is a voluntary act that allows citizens to formally give up their nationality, typically when acquiring citizenship in another country.

To renounce Nigerian citizenship, individuals must be of full age and capacity. They must also prove they have acquired or are in the process of acquiring citizenship of another country. This ensures that renunciation doesn’t result in statelessness.

application process of renunciation of citizenship

• The renunciation process begins with submitting an application to the Federal Ministry of Interior.

• Required documents include a completed renunciation form, proof of Nigerian citizenship, and evidence of acquisition or imminent acquisition of foreign citizenship. 

• Applicants must also provide a sworn affidavit stating their intention to renounce

consequences of renunciation of citizenship

• Upon approval, individuals lose all rights and privileges associated with Nigerian citizenship. 

• This includes the right to hold a Nigerian passport, vote in elections, or own certain types of property in Nigeria. 

• It is crucial to understand these implications before proceeding with renunciation

rights of a nige

duties and obligations of a Nigerian citizen

• Obedience to the law and respect for national symbols

•  Payment of taxes and rates

•  Participation in community development

•  Defense of the nation

civic responsibility as a nigerian

• Voting and electoral participation

•  Public accountability and whistleblowing

•  Environmental responsibility (sanitation/ cleaning)

•  Peaceful coexistence and national unity

•  Paying taxes

•  Respecting the rights of others

factors that undermine Nigerian citizenship

• Political apathy and low civic engagement

•  Corruption and poor governance

•  Ethnic, religious, and regional divisions

•  Weak civic education

ways citizens can assert their citizenship of nigeria

• Active political participation

• Holding leaders accountable

• Promoting national unity and social justice