Growing Interest: Foreign Nationals Seek Nigerian Passports, Says Dabiri-Erewa

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who leads the Diaspora Mobilisation for the PBAT/APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, announced that more foreign nationals are interested in obtaining Nigerian passports. She shared this information during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Dabiri-Erewa revealed that her office has received many requests from non-Nigerians asking for help in getting Nigerian citizenship. She noted that the number of appeals is significant, saying, “On my table, you see a lot of people telling us to beg the President to be able to give them Nigerian passports. Ask the Minister of Interior. It’s too much.”

This trend indicates a growing interest in Nigeria among foreigners, some of whom want to invest in the country and build stronger connections. She mentioned a woman who expressed her desire to stay in Nigeria permanently instead of returning to her home country.

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the vital role of Nigerians living abroad, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy through remittances and investments. She pointed out that these contributions exceed $20 billion each year, with Nigerians abroad investing in various sectors, including healthcare and education.

As for the 2027 presidential election, Dabiri-Erewa outlined a five-point plan to engage Nigerians in the diaspora to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign. This plan includes setting up APC diaspora chapters worldwide, launching a digital campaign called “Operation Tell Your Story,” and promoting voter registration awareness.

Currently, Nigerians living abroad cannot vote in elections from their countries, but Dabiri-Erewa urged lawmakers to change this. She believes that while they can’t vote, they can still influence political discussions back home.

In her remarks on the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, she defended recent changes like the removal of fuel subsidies and the adjustment of the foreign exchange rate, describing them as tough but necessary for Nigeria’s future. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad, stating, “Nigeria needs you, and you also need Nigeria. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”