Proposed Amendment Aims to Grant Citizenship Rights to Foreign Spouses in Nigeria

HB 1195
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE PROVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO GRANT CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS TOSPOUSES; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS. Bill sponsor Hon. Daniel Asama Ago and Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, bill progress at committee stage.
This Bill seeks to alter the provisions of sections 26, 26, 42 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to grant citizenship rights to men who marry women from Nigeria. In a significant legislative development, the Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced HB. 1195, a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. This bill seeks to alter sections 26, 42, and 223 to grant citizenship rights specifically to foreign men who marry women from Nigeria. The bill highlights a critical issue of gender disparity in citizenship rights. While current provisions may allow foreign women who marry Nigerian men to obtain citizenship, this proposal aims to create a reciprocal framework that extends similar rights to foreign men wedded to Nigerian women. This focus brings to light a contrast between the existing legal landscape and the proposed changes, which advocate for equal treatment in matters of citizenship for spouses. Section 26 of the Constitution pertains to citizenship by registration, outlining the conditions under which individuals can acquire Nigerian citizenship. Meanwhile, Section 42 emphasizes the right to freedom from discrimination, suggesting that the current legal framework may inadvertently favor one gender over another regarding citizenship rights. Section 223, while primarily concerned with political party structures, could indirectly relate to citizenship as it influences political participation and representation. With HB. 1195, lawmakers aim to rectify potential imbalances in citizenship rights, signaling a move towards a more equitable approach in the application of the law. The proposed amendment could have far-reaching implications for family unity and international marriages in Nigeria, reinforcing the commitment to fairness in the nation’s legal system. In conclusion, the Bill seeks to alter the provisions of sections 26, 26, 42, and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to grant citizenship rights to men who marry women from Nigeria.