CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES

This paper delves into the intricacies of Nigerian citizenship, particularly the indigene-settler dilemma, by drawing parallels with the U.S. citizenship model. The study utilizes secondary data and content analysis to explore the complex interplay of belonging, rights, and identity in American cit...

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Main Author: AUWALU MUSA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Federal University Wukari 2024-08-01
Series:International Studies Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/418
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author AUWALU MUSA
author_facet AUWALU MUSA
author_sort AUWALU MUSA
collection DOAJ
description This paper delves into the intricacies of Nigerian citizenship, particularly the indigene-settler dilemma, by drawing parallels with the U.S. citizenship model. The study utilizes secondary data and content analysis to explore the complex interplay of belonging, rights, and identity in American citizenship, highlighting the role of birthright citizenship as stipulated by the 14th Amendment. This U.S. principle, prioritizing birthplace over lineage, contrasts with the descent-based approaches prevalent in Nigeria and some other countries. The analysis reveals that the U.S. model, by automatically conferring citizenship to those born on its soil regardless of parental heritage, fosters inclusivity and national integration. This paper suggests that Nigeria could benefit from a more inclusive citizenship model that combines elements of birthplace and lineage. By adopting lessons from the U.S., including the emphasis on inclusivity and rights-based citizenship, Nigeria could address its indigene-settler conflicts more effectively. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing a comparative analysis of citizenship models, highlighting the potential benefits of the U.S. approach for Nigeria. Unlike previous studies that may focus solely on Nigerian citizenship issues or U.S. citizenship in isolation, this research uniquely bridges the two contexts to offer a fresh perspective on how Nigeria might reform its citizenship policies. The recommendations propose a nuanced approach to citizenship in Nigeria, aiming for policies that support national unity and integration, drawing on the U.S. experience as a potential guide for reform. By examining the successful elements of the U.S. model, this paper provides a roadmap for Nigeria to enhance its citizenship framework, promoting greater inclusivity and social cohesion.
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spelling doaj-art-7f1cc1f75dc44bd59824a4f06a70b09c2025-02-10T10:00:08ZengFederal University WukariInternational Studies Journal2756-46492024-08-0185CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATESAUWALU MUSA0NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY, KADUNA-NIGERIA This paper delves into the intricacies of Nigerian citizenship, particularly the indigene-settler dilemma, by drawing parallels with the U.S. citizenship model. The study utilizes secondary data and content analysis to explore the complex interplay of belonging, rights, and identity in American citizenship, highlighting the role of birthright citizenship as stipulated by the 14th Amendment. This U.S. principle, prioritizing birthplace over lineage, contrasts with the descent-based approaches prevalent in Nigeria and some other countries. The analysis reveals that the U.S. model, by automatically conferring citizenship to those born on its soil regardless of parental heritage, fosters inclusivity and national integration. This paper suggests that Nigeria could benefit from a more inclusive citizenship model that combines elements of birthplace and lineage. By adopting lessons from the U.S., including the emphasis on inclusivity and rights-based citizenship, Nigeria could address its indigene-settler conflicts more effectively. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing a comparative analysis of citizenship models, highlighting the potential benefits of the U.S. approach for Nigeria. Unlike previous studies that may focus solely on Nigerian citizenship issues or U.S. citizenship in isolation, this research uniquely bridges the two contexts to offer a fresh perspective on how Nigeria might reform its citizenship policies. The recommendations propose a nuanced approach to citizenship in Nigeria, aiming for policies that support national unity and integration, drawing on the U.S. experience as a potential guide for reform. By examining the successful elements of the U.S. model, this paper provides a roadmap for Nigeria to enhance its citizenship framework, promoting greater inclusivity and social cohesion. https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/418ChallengesCitizenshipIndigene-SettlerRights
spellingShingle AUWALU MUSA
CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
International Studies Journal
Challenges
Citizenship
Indigene-Settler
Rights
title CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
title_full CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
title_fullStr CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
title_full_unstemmed CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
title_short CITIZENSHIP AND INDIGENOUS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: DRAWING INSIGHTS FROM BEST PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES
title_sort citizenship and indigenous challenges in nigeria drawing insights from best practices in the united states
topic Challenges
Citizenship
Indigene-Settler
Rights
url https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/418
work_keys_str_mv AT auwalumusa citizenshipandindigenouschallengesinnigeriadrawinginsightsfrombestpracticesintheunitedstates