Kemi Badenoch, the United Kingdom Conservative leader, has sparked outrage after she proposed extending the British citizenship waiting period to 15 years.
As her first major policy move as Tory leader, Badenoch plans to tighten immigration rules by doubling the waiting period for migrants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. Furthermore, those granted ILR would face an additional five-year wait before becoming eligible for citizenship—stretching the total pathway from six to 15 years.
According to her, individuals who claim benefits, apply for social housing or have criminal records would be ineligible for permanent residency.
The proposal has sparked intense backlash, particularly from Nigerians—a significant part of the UK’s migrant community—who would be heavily impacted by the stricter regulations.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration, arguing that the extended waiting period unfairly punishes hardworking immigrants striving for stability.
Critics have also accused Badenoch of hypocrisy, claiming she is closing the very door that once allowed her entry, making it even harder for others to access the same opportunities that benefited her.
See some reactions below:
One abbello110 wrote: “Immigrant that benefited from the system kicking against the system now. Kemi kemi se jeje.”
One Ayodejiawonowo wrote: “I actually don’t blame her…. She has to pander to the people of Britain and the fastest way to do that is taking a hard stance to immigration.”
One Deprincefrk 001 wrote: “She ain’t done yet! A woman who doesn’t want anybody have the privileges she once had, that woman is Kemi Badenoch.”
One Ynw_szn wrote: “Ahh ahh, this law don too much oo. Stay for 15 years before u can apply for citizenship, oga oo.”
One Mesigo422 wrote: “They ask her how she got her own citizenship and why she has decided to make it harder for the people in uk . Tomorrow if people decide to leave uk the country will be in a deep economic depression. Join us ? Let’s make it clear people will start seeing her as a wicked Nigeria woman.”
One Anthony Sprite wrote: “One thing I’ve come to realize is that, immigrants in government are the ones making things hard for other immigrants in the UK .”
One Ade.S.uaw wrote: “Kemi, Kemi… ahhh! Trying to shut down a system that benefited you? Wow. But honestly, this is typical. Some Nigerians abroad will even go as far as exposing the secrets of their own community just to stay ahead. It is well.
Whenever I tell Nigerians to explore other European countries and leave the UK, Canada, and the US alone for now, they always say, “But the language barrier!” Come on! Nigerians are resilient, hardworking, and adaptable—they can excel in any situation.
Try Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, and many more. Yes, it takes sacrifice, but you can do it. I personally learned three languages when I was 36—so trust me, it’s possible!”
One Marcel Umeh wrote: “Kemi what is really your problem??”
One the Main Franz wrote: “My dear sister trying to be a patriot still wouldn’t change your skin color in their eyes… most immigrants do the voting if you make things very stringent you’d never be PM”
One Bowale Frad wrote: “These will not work kemi you are setting yourself up for failure. There are a lot of immigrants who have the right to vote and with these reforms non will vote you. Add that to the number of British voters who will still not see you as one of them kemi. You will lose you lose with these reforms. Ok na”
One Ogo Oluwa wrote: “She indirectly says you all should fix your country, hold the government of your country accountable it long overdue.”
One this is official jagaban wrote: “One of the people in the last batch that benefited from the Uk birth automatic citizenship. It is well!”