Nigeria’s Speaker Calls for Equal Citizenship Rights for Foreigners Married to Nigerian Women
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has advocated for equal citizenship rights for foreigners married to Nigerian women. Currently, Section 26 of the 1999 Constitution grants citizenship to foreign women married to Nigerian men, but not vice versa.
Tajudeen emphasized the need for fairness and equity, directing the Constitution Review Committee to focus on reforms promoting gender equity and reserved seats for women in legislative bodies.
He stressed the importance of empowering women for economic growth, citing research showing women in leadership roles contribute to stronger economic growth.
Tajudeen noted Nigeria lags behind African countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal in gender inclusion, with only 20 women occupying National Assembly seats since 1999.
The Speaker urged lawmakers to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future through the ongoing Constitution review.
