“I’m an Arrogant Nigerian!” — Fashola Rejects Dual Citizenship, Challenges Citizens to Stop Disowning Nigeria

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has declared himself an “arrogant Nigerian,” using the term to highlight his deep-seated pride in his national identity while firmly denying that he holds citizenship in any other country.

Speaking in Abuja at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Fashola cleared the air on long-standing speculations regarding his nationality. He told the audience that while the 1999 Constitution permits dual citizenship for many, he has chosen to hold only one passport.

“I don’t think we own Nigeria enough,” Fashola stated. “I hear some of our compatriots who have dual citizenship. But I have only one. I tell people I’m not just a proud Nigerian, I’m an arrogant one. I’m arrogant about my country because I have not received one day’s education outside this land.”

The former governor’s remarks were centered on the theme of national reputation and the need for a collective “common ownership” of the Nigerian brand. He expressed concern over the habit of some Nigerians especially those in the diaspora referring to the nation’s issues as “your country’s problem” rather than “our problem.”

Addressing the current migration wave known as “Japa,” Fashola offered a historical perspective, reminding the youth that a similar trend occurred in the 1980s under the tag “checking out.” He noted that despite the challenges that drive people away, Nigeria remains a unique place where “rags-to-riches” stories are still possible, pointing out that almost all of his contemporaries who left decades ago eventually found their way back home.

Fashola also took the opportunity to advise the Federal Government on diplomacy. He suggested that for Nigeria’s reputation to improve globally, newly appointed ambassadors must be “walking encyclopedias” of the country’s policies knowing everything from tax laws to how long it takes to register a business to effectively attract foreign investors.

“Reputation is shaped by how nations respond to challenges, not just the challenges themselves,” he concluded, urging Nigerians to define their own narrative rather than letting a few negative incidents paint a picture for the world.