INDEGENIETY AND CITIZENSHIP IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS.

The nature and character of the Nigerian state is promoting the issue of indigeneity which in a way is affecting the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity. Despite the constitutional provisions guaranteeing the citizenship status of Nigerians, yet within the country, the issue of indigeneity is making Nigerians to becoming second-class citizens in states other than their own. Indigeneity is becoming albatross in the goal of national integration and is creating problems for Nigerians as they are denied their constitutional rights in states other than their own. Therefore, for the goal of national unity, political stability and political development to be achieved, the issue of indigeneity needs to be discouraged while promoting citizenship. The study is of the opinion that state of residence rather than state of origin should be a major determining factor in national politics, appointments and employment. This will de-emphasize the relevance of indigeneity in Nigeria.