The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill that seeks to introduce citizenship by investment into Nigeria’s legal framework.
The proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution would allow qualified foreign investors to obtain Nigerian citizenship upon meeting specific financial thresholds or investing in critical sectors of the economy.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, is part of a broader constitutional review effort aimed at attracting foreign direct investment. House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, presented the bill for deliberation, arguing that such a policy could enhance Nigeria’s economic growth by offering a pathway to citizenship for investors committed to the country’s development.
In addition to the Citizenship by Investment Bill, lawmakers debated another bill seeking to redefine indigene status in Nigeria. The proposal, also up for constitutional amendment, aims to ensure that individuals born in a state or those who have continuously resided there for at least ten years can claim indigeneship.
The bill further extends this right to women married to men from different states, granting them full indigene privileges after five years of marriage. Even in the case of divorce or the spouse’s death, a woman may choose to retain her new indigene status.
A legislator supporting the bill emphasized its potential to promote national unity and reduce discrimination based on ethnic and regional identities. “This bill seeks to foster a more inclusive Nigeria, where residency and contribution to society matter more than ancestral origins,” the lawmaker noted.
The House is also considering a review of capital punishment laws to align them with international human rights standards. The proposed reform seeks to ensure Nigeria’s justice system remains fair and proportional while maintaining public safety.
Additionally, another bill proposes the establishment of distinct offices for the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federal Government. If passed, the Accountant-General of the Federal Government would serve a four-year term, renewable for another four years, but would retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years in public service, whichever comes first.