UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has pledged to tighten the process for Nigerians seeking British citizenship, declaring that it has become “too easy” to acquire under current immigration policies.
Speaking during an interview with CNN on Sunday, Badenoch criticized what she described as the UK’s lenient system, particularly in contrast to Nigeria’s immigration approach.
“Loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquiring British citizenship. We need to stop being naive,” she said. “That is why under my leadership, we now have policies to make it harder to just get British citizenship.”
Badenoch, who was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, argued that many immigrants exploit the UK’s open system, potentially leaving the country exposed to various threats.
When asked about the cultural integration of Nigerian immigrants, particularly the idea of recreating a “mini-Nigeria” in the UK, Badenoch strongly opposed it.
“That is not right. Nigerians would not tolerate that. That’s not something that many countries would accept,” she said. “There are many people who come to our country, to the UK, who do things that would not be acceptable in their countries.”
The Conservative politician, often described as a rising star within her party, has recently drawn criticism for her tough stance on immigration and remarks perceived as controversial by some members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Badenoch’s comments are expected to further stir debate around immigration, identity, and integration policies in the UK.
