“I Am Not a Dual Citizen, I’m an Arrogant Nigerian” — Fashola

Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has refuted claims of holding dual citizenship, stating that he is Nigerian by choice, conviction, and identity.

Fashola made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Speaking on themes of national identity, migration, patriotism, and Nigeria’s global image, he called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to take collective responsibility for the country and its challenges.

He said many citizens fail to see national issues as a shared duty, adding that although the constitution permits dual citizenship, he holds only Nigerian citizenship and is unapologetic about it. Describing himself as “proudly and arrogantly Nigerian,”

Fashola emphasized that all his education was obtained within Nigeria, and expressed confidence that with commitment, the country can recover anything it appears to have lost.

He asserted that despite present difficulties, Nigeria remains a land of great opportunity and social mobility, where individuals from modest backgrounds have risen to prominent leadership positions.

Fashola also cautioned against allowing the actions of a few to define the nation’s image, noting that such individuals do not represent the values of most Nigerians.

He further shared experiences from abroad where Nigerians were warmly received, even during periods of heightened security challenges at home. According to him, no country is without problems, and a nation’s reputation is shaped by how it confronts and addresses its challenges.