LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the legal integration of eligible foreign nationals through the processing of naturalisation and special immigrant status applications, with 116 cases handled over the past year.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, made this known on Tuesday during a ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
The briefing formed part of activities commemorating the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Layode explained that naturalisation and special immigrant status, though primarily overseen by the Federal Ministry of Interior, are also coordinated at the state level in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.
“The process is open to foreigners who have legally resided in Nigeria for at least 15 years, maintained clean records, and shown demonstrable investment interest in the country,” he said.
“Out of the 116 applications received from May 2024 to May 2025, 63 applicants were thoroughly screened for eligibility. The final recommendation for citizenship is made by the Federal Ministry of Interior after a rigorous process that ensures due diligence and national interest,” he said.
Layode further explained that each application undergoes scrutiny by a sub-committee comprising representatives from six key agencies: the Nigerian Immigration Service, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Police, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), and the Office of Civic Engagement.
“There is a pre-meeting stage where submitted documents are verified and character assessments are carried out to ensure that applicants are of good standing,” the Commissioner stated.
He also shed light on the provision for special immigrant status, which grants permanent residency to foreign nationals who marry Nigerian citizens, provided all legal and regulatory conditions are met.
The initiative, according to the Commissioner, is part of a broader national objective to assimilate law-abiding non-Nigerians into the system, promote investment, and enhance the country’s economic and social fabric.
Layode reiterated that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and a magnet for global migration, remains committed to supporting federal initiatives that uphold structured and transparent pathways to citizenship.
However, the commissioner said despite being home to adherents of various faiths, Lagos State continues to distinguish itself not only as Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse but also as a beacon of religious harmony and interfaith unity.
He said Lagos has established a strong framework for fostering understanding between Christianity and Islam. This, he noted, is achieved by recognising the spiritual needs of both faiths while actively promoting dialogue, inclusion, and mutual celebration.
“The core mandate of the Ministry is to strengthen harmonious relations among faith-based organisations,” Layode stated.
“We pursue this through landmark programmes, joint religious observances, and sustained engagement with religious leaders.”
He pointed to the recently concluded Christian and Muslim fasting seasons, during which the State Government ensured peaceful and inclusive participation, maintaining neutrality and encouraging mutual respect.
According to him, Lagos’ active involvement in religious activities reflects a shared identity rooted in peaceful coexistence, saying beyond ceremonial participation, the State also facilitated the NIREC Interfaith Parleys—an initiative that brings together Christian and Muslim leaders to advise the government, prevent religious conflicts, and disseminate policy information to their followers.
Layode highlighted that this dual-faith strategy has fostered a spirit of collaboration among religious leaders around shared values such as peace, unity, discipline, and spiritual development—factors that have contributed to security, stability, and economic growth in the State.
“Lagos is a city of many people and many faiths—but one heart,” he said, adding that religious unity has long been a cornerstone of the State’s peaceful social fabric.
