Abike Dabiri-Erewa Slams Kemi Badenoch Over False Nigerian Citizenship Claim

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly criticized UK Conservative Minister Kemi Badenoch for making what she described as a false and misleading statement about Nigerian citizenship laws.

In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch—who is of Nigerian descent—claimed she is unable to pass her Nigerian citizenship to her children simply because she is a woman. “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 said while discussing immigration and citizenship policies.

Reacting to the remarks on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Friday, Dabiri-Erewa called out the claim as entirely untrue and damaging.

“That is not even true. And that’s the problem I have. Don’t go on international media and spew a lie. It’s not true. So why say it? That’s what I find unacceptable,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa criticized Badenoch’s decision to air such a claim publicly, stressing that when Nigeria is misrepresented, there will be a response. “When you denigrate your country, we’ll reply you. It’s not about me, it’s not about the president, it’s about Nigeria. You can’t lie about your country and expect silence.”

She emphasized that Nigerians in the diaspora should uphold truth and patriotism when speaking about their home country. Highlighting the successes of other Nigerians abroad, she said, “There are so many Nigerians in the UK doing exceptionally well in politics. We don’t have to focus on one person.”

Dabiri-Erewa also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting and celebrating Nigerians globally, while addressing challenges faced by citizens abroad. She called for diaspora engagement that is rooted in honesty, responsibility, and national pride.