Stop Spreading Lies About Nigeria – Dabiri-Erewa Tells UK Minister Badenoch

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly criticised Kemi Badenoch, a British Conservative minister of Nigerian descent, over her recent claims about gender-based citizenship limitations in Nigeria.

Badenoch, who serves as the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, had told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria during a televised interview that Nigerian women cannot pass citizenship to their children, implying discrimination enshrined in the country’s nationality laws.

“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, [but] I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” Badenoch had said.

Responding during a Friday interview on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, Dabiri-Erewa categorically dismissed Badenoch’s assertions, labelling them false and damaging to Nigeria’s image.

“But that is not even true. And that is the problem I have. Don’t divulge false information. You go on international media and spew a lie. That is a lie,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

“Why tell us something that is not true? That is the problem I have with that.”

The NiDCOM chief also expressed concern about the global perception of Nigeria, warning against public figures discrediting their country without basis.

“When you denigrate your country, we’ll reply you. It’s not about me or the president or you. It’s about Nigeria. You can’t lie about your country then we keep quiet.”

While not singling Badenoch out for criticism, Dabiri-Erewa said it was important to highlight and celebrate the many Nigerians making significant contributions globally, especially in the UK’s political and professional spheres.

“You know the number of Nigerians we have in the UK in the political space that are doing very well. We don’t have to focus on one person.”

She also reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerians abroad, stating that diaspora engagement must be driven by truth, responsibility, and patriotism.

Dabiri-Erewa concluded by encouraging Nigerians abroad to present accurate portrayals of their homeland, adding that constructive criticism must not cross into misinformation.

Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents, has been a controversial figure within diaspora conversations, often drawing sharp reactions over her comments on identity, immigration, and race. Her recent remarks have reignited debates over citizenship laws in Nigeria, especially regarding the rights of women to transmit citizenship to children born abroad.