The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organization, has strongly urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, to dismiss a newly proposed bill aimed at redefining the criteria for indigeneship in Nigeria. The group expressed grave concern that passing such a bill could spark ethnic tensions and possibly ignite widespread unrest across the country.

In a detailed statement titled “Rejection of the Proposed Bill on Indigenous Rights Due to Its Potential to Invite Ethnic Conflict,” the group’s top officials — Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), Mr. Miftau Bolaji Are, and Mr. Taofeeq Yomi Tokosi — criticized the proposal put forward by Hon. Kalu Okezie. The bill seeks to grant indigeneship status to people who have either lived in a location continuously for at least ten years or who have been married to an indigene for that same period.

The Foundation argued that such a change to the existing legal framework could erode the rights of indigenous communities and provoke dangerous identity conflicts. They pointed out that Nigeria’s current constitution, particularly Sections 13 and 14, along with the Federal Character Commission Act, already provides sufficient mechanisms to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. According to the group, expanding these rights to include residency or marriage would weaken the cultural and historical foundations of local communities.

They further drew comparisons with countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, noting that while these nations offer inclusive residency rights, they still maintain a clear distinction between indigenous identity and general citizenship. The Foundation emphasized that diluting the concept of indigeneship could lead to the marginalization of original inhabitants and sow seeds of communal discord.

The group also expressed disappointment with the House of Representatives for ignoring a memorandum they submitted in April 2024, in which they articulated their opposition to the bill. Despite their submission, they claim they were never invited to present their perspective.

Labeling the bill as unjust and dangerous, they warned that its passage could mirror the kind of xenophobic violence previously witnessed in countries like South Africa. The Foundation specifically called on the Lagos State Caucus in the National Assembly to reject the bill, stressing the importance of protecting Lagos’s unique cultural identity and the rights of its indigenous population.