No fewer than 116 foreign nationals resident in Lagos applied for Nigerian citizenship or special immigrant status between May 2024 and May 2025.
Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, disclosed this during a ministerial briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to him, while naturalisation is primarily managed by the Federal Ministry of Interior, Lagos State plays a supporting role in the screening and coordination process through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“The process is open to foreigners who have legally resided in Nigeria for at least 15 years, maintained a clean record, and shown demonstrable investment interest in the country.
“Of the 116 applications submitted within the year under review, 63 were screened for eligibility. Final approvals are made by the Federal Ministry of Interior after a comprehensive vetting process involving key national and state agencies.
“Each application is reviewed by a sub-committee comprising representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), and the Office of Civic Engagement.
“There is a pre-meeting stage where documents are verified and character assessments are conducted to ensure that applicants are of good standing,” Layode added.
He also highlighted the provision for Special Immigrant Status, which allows permanent residency for foreign nationals married to Nigerian citizens, once all legal requirements are fulfilled.
Layode said the initiative aligns with the broader national goal of assimilating law-abiding non-Nigerians, encouraging investment, and enriching Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
The commissioner praised Lagos for its continued leadership in religious harmony, despite being home to diverse faith communities.
“Lagos has developed a strong framework for fostering understanding between Christianity and Islam, promoting interfaith dialogue, inclusion, and mutual respect,” he noted.
