₦airaland Forum

Krucifax:
The Lagos State Government is enacting a Lagos Indegenship Certificate program. Below is an analysis of the danger and why its a slippery slope to discord,disuntiy and the fractioning of Nigeria.

1. How This Could Lead to Discrimination Against Other Nigerians

While the initiative aims at organization and authentication, indigeneship systems in Nigeria have historically produced discrimination in practice. The new digital version could amplify such risks if not properly regulated.

a. Access to Public Services
If the certificate becomes a requirement for:

school admissions

bursaries/scholarships

civil service recruitment

government assistance programs

political appointments

…then non-indigenes (even lifelong Lagos residents) may be unfairly excluded.

b. Reinforcing “Indigene vs. Settler” Divide

Nigeria already struggles with conflicts around “indigeneity” (e.g., Jos, Abuja, Kaduna). A digital, state-backed verification might:

harden identity boundaries

create “tiers” of citizenship

encourage ethnic profiling

c. Employment Discrimination

Some states already unofficially prefer indigenes in recruitment. Digitizing proof of indigeneship may:

make such discrimination more systematic

embed exclusion in automated systems

d. Political Marginalization

Political participation could be affected if:

only indigenes can hold certain positions

political benefits/resources are tied to indigeneship mandates

Digital verification makes these exclusions easier to enforce.

2. Is This Compatible With the Nigerian Constitution?

It depends on how it is used.
The Constitution allows cultural identity, but prohibits discrimination based on origin, ethnicity or place of birth.

Relevant Constitutional Provisions

Section 42(1) – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of:

ethnic group

place of origin

community

circumstances of birth

religion, sex or political opinion

If indigeneship certificates are used to limit access to government services or opportunities, this can violate Section 42.

Section 15(2) – Federal character principle

Requires governments to promote national unity and avoid discrimination.

Section 14(3) – Opposes dominance of one group within a state or local government.
Section 25–28 – Citizenship

Nigerians have equal citizenship; no category of “second-class” Nigerians is recognised.

Case Law (Important)

Nigerian courts have repeatedly ruled that treating a Nigerian as “less entitled” in a state where they reside violates constitutional equality.
Examples include:

Attorney General of Lagos State v. Eko Hotels

Several Court of Appeal and Supreme Court comments on indigene vs. resident conflicts.

Conclusion on Constitutionality

Legal if used only for cultural documentation (traditional identity, genealogy).

Potentially unconstitutional if used to deny equal rights, employment, scholarships, education admission, or public services.

3. Implications for Nigerians Born in Lagos but Not “Indigenes”

These individuals—who may know no other home—are the most vulnerable to exclusion.

a. “Citizens but not accepted”

They may be:

born in Lagos

schooled in Lagos

paying taxes in Lagos

…but still excluded from:

state benefits

government jobs

education quotas

local rights and opportunities

b. Digital Exclusion Becomes Harder to Challenge

Once the identity is encoded into a database with barcode verification, a non-indigene:

cannot negotiate

cannot appeal informally

may be automatically screened out of opportunities

“Automation” may look neutral but can embed bias more deeply.

c. Social Tension and Alienation

Being told you “don’t belong” in your birthplace can generate:

resentment

ethnic polarization

political friction

d. Reduced Mobility

If every state begins digitizing indigene status, Nigerians may face:

restricted access outside ancestral states

limited job markets

entrenched regional identity at the expense of national unity

This contradicts freedom of movement and residence under Section 41.

4. Potential Positive Uses (for balance)

To be fair, the system is not inherently discriminatory. It could be positive if:

used only for cultural identity preservation

not required for public services

not linked to opportunities or rights

data protection and anti-discrimination laws guide implementation

The key issue is how government institutions apply it.

5. Overall Assessment

The digital certificate is not unconstitutional by itself, but becomes unconstitutional if used to:

restrict rights

deny services

discriminate in employment

exclude residents

determine educational or political eligibility

For Nigerians born in Lagos but not “indigenes,” the danger is becoming digitally and institutionally marginalized in a state they call home. Bear in mind that there already exist a state of origin document the type required for Nigerian passport application. The move by the Lagos state Goverment smacks of a greater and undisclosed agenda.
Lagos was built by Nigerians. It enjoys its esteemed status not because of the efforts of any one tribal group but the collective efforts of Nigerian from all regions. Starting from being made the state capital by the Federal Goverment this singular act is what spurred its growth by attracting millions of Nigerian from all over Nigeria who came to work and trade and live.These Nigerian set up roots and generations have been born into Lagos that know no where else as home!
This is what created the success of Lagos and the legacy endures to this day. The evidence is all around as if it had been the efforts of a singular tribe then neighbouring states like Oyo,Osun,Ogun,Ekiti etc would have had the same status which they do not.
This is a warning call to all parties and federal goverment that the problem this can forment is one that can not be predicted.

Why all these lengthy epistles over certificstes of indigenes in a State?
ALL States have indigenes, that need to be identified tidied and catered for.

truthera:
I see you are a yoruba man, well I am not sure what he did to you personally that's if you did not make your comment out of sheer tribal hatred. Kanu actually apologised and explained in details here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZT8pJq1jJU

Kanu should face his trials and leave Yoruba alone

truthera:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13uRBdnMieU

Here is Nnamdi Kanu years ago telling yorubas to prepare for what is coming. Many of what he said in several of his prophetic messages is already happening still many yorubas with deep hate towards him and igbos are cheering the unjust trial as they want to see him killed just for saying the truth. Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom, he has defeated all liers who dwell in self-deceit as it is now clear for all to see....

Nigerians need to understand that what is coming will consume everyone if nothing is done to stop it.

Leave Yoruba, out of Nnamdi Kanu'a arrest, trial and prosecution.

FarahAideed:
This is Dangerous rhetoric, Tinubu doesn't need to resign , we need to support him to have balls to fight the Fulani militia..the Fulani militia can't be upt 250 thousand as we speak

The real reason why Nigeria has spent about a quarter of century ,$ Billion and thousands of lives fighting Islamic instruments and terrorists is NOT because of their numbers or strength but because a large segment of Nigerians ,who share the same religion and/or ethnic groups with them, don't consider what they are doing as anything bad

bazoodo:
I feel this would be a political solution to this problem. Gosh it's totally a sad situation where northern Christians are been violated. Sad

The real solution: divide Nigeria into Arewa Islamic Shariah Republic, Middlebelt Republic,Edo Kingdom, Oduduwa Republic, Biafra and Niger-Delta Republic.

This MURIC madman has NEVER,for once criticized Boko Haram, Armed Bandits and Fulani Jihardists,that are whipping villages upon villages but would rather blame their Christian victims,for crying out for help

Charlie2020:
Former southern governor
SW Aregbesho. SS Amaechi, SE Peter Obi

None of these ever worked in the Oil& Gas before. I know that Ex-Gov (now Oba) Rashidi Ladoja worked in the Oil& Gas before,but i strongly doubt he could be involved in planning a coup.

amaridigital:
Are you saying that the civilians sponsoring the coup are hungry or they merely want to hijack power through the back door? The Government security agencies are too slow. Since Obedients were clamouring for coup last year, the Government should have clamped down on them both online and offline. I knew some politicians would like to take advantage of the inexperienced obedient yoot and their quest for regime change at all cost. Now the DSS should do the needful and protect Nigeria. Maybe it's time the SW people commence their disengagement from this shit called a nation because it's now obvious that anytime the North is out of power they must try to hijack through coups. I don't know how obidients think that a military Government formed by fulanis will ever favor them. It's obvious that banditry and terrorism will explode 100 times because of the backing of their people in Government. I don't know why people would wish the worst for themselves because of their hatred for Tinubu.

They are just naive.

iwaeda:
Fuel is now N875 in Nigeria. People are growing poorer, savings are getting depleted daily, but some people believe e reforms are working.

But people are also making money.

Wealth is created whenever people produces goods that meets demands of the people.

FutureFocus:
The government should invest in mechanized farming and fishing vessels as a means of youth empowerment

Create farm estates nationwide with adequate security alongside with amenities to attract the youth population into the sector

Which Government? Na Government invested in Music ,Gambling and Porn industries before they develop in Nigeria?

favor914:
Well na the people we dey wait for Tinubu to remove them from poverty, u go sorry for.

That means, they will need to wait for Alhaji ,Pa Atiku to take them out of poverty either in 2027 or 2031

Shidinky:
Mediocrity is celebrated by Nigerians. Ghana and all your neighbours have constant light. But your praising half light

This is FALSE.
Although they may be fairly stable supply of electricity in urban areas but many parts of Ghana are yet to be electrified.

In any case, success is measured from the increase added, from the starting point I.e May-29, 2023

lexy2014:
Cheap? Really?

What made these staple foods rise in the first place?

What was their prices before they became expensive?

Some of the poor are actually taking advantages of the increase in prices and started producing large quantities of foods, to sell and make great profits e.g Goat and cattle herders.


I used to buy goats at the rate of #20,000 per one Obuko upto 2022 but now the herders have increased it to #35,000/Obuko in Osun State.


They have also increased the prices of wooden planks from #2000 / 12 by two inches to an average of #6000, they have increased the prices of palm oil everywhere from Ikale,Oke-Igbo and Ile-Oluji in Ondo State to Iragbiji in Osun State and virtually, all items they produce. Whenever, we complain, they would hide under the pretext of pump prices and/dollar rates, eventhough their productions had little to do with these. I have also noticed , cocoa farmers buying Sienna cars like no man's business.

Don't be deceived, the so-called poor that are producing these items ,greatly benefitted from the reforms.


The only poor people, that are not benefitting are the salary earners and young educated Nigerians, who feel that they are educated and looking for white-collar jobs plus traders in non-essential goods like sunglasses, makeup creams, wigs etc

Tenrack:
I hope Nigeria doesn't happen to you. Then your eyes would clear. There are certain things even your so called richies won't save you from. You think being rich ultimately makes up for everything. You all should continue supporting nonsense a day of reckoning is close. Insha Allah

There are problems everywhere, dear.

Because poor people will need to change the kinds of works they do or how they work, in order to be able to produce more e g mechanised systems of transforming cassava or Palm fruits into garri or red oil.

Then companies, to buy the produced garri and red oil, sell them to the local consumers or export them ,to make more profits.

The chains of process involves so many actors and stakeholders, beyond the FG.

Those, who are able to follow the processes are already reaping the benefits

Tochi3:


..every sane Nigerian can see that Dsngote is the instigator of the problem..

..he is hell bent to to cause division, disregard for the rule of Law..intimidating workers and putting them under pressure to sign a document against their will...

..dangote should be called to order..

1) It is NOT compulsory to join NUPENG or PENGASSAN . Any other union can also exist in the sector, including Dangote Worker's Union.
2) It is NOT compulsory, to work in Dangote companies

MKPUOGALIGA:
You dont get it. We are not against demolition if the structures are built illegally but that's not what is going on here

There is NO single demolition in Lagos,in which the Igbo didn't wail profusely over it and accuse the Lagos State Government of targeting them, (even when the owners aren't Igbo)
They want to grant the operation of LASG through ethnic tension and propaganda.

MKPUOGALIGA:
You are proudly rejoicing over the destruction of another man's sufferings....you can't rejoice forever and Tinubu will not be in power forever

But you will be in power forever? Why is demolition in Lagos is always associated with wailing of the people of the SE and politisation by Peter Obi and his tribal gangs?

Why didn't Peter Obi visit the site of demolition in Enugu State,where three people lost their lives?

The man is too divisive,a figure

ambale:
I only responded to your comment cos you're gratifying your oppressors

Those countries you mention don't pamper anyone who looks like an oppressor
But here in your own country, a man will steal large funds to go build mansions abroad and he would hire people like you to praise him to high heavens

How did you arrive at this conjectures?

CoronaVirusPro:
I really respect your input and find it difficult to an extent even when I know you saying the truth.

He rode on the status quo. Did not create it but rode on it. You can’t tell me His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) created touts in Lagos. Marwa abolished it before Tinubu came into power.

I won’t exonerate His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) from the menace, but I would be considerate that being the first democratic rule in decades after military rule, he had a lot of challenges on his table. Made big wins and accomplishments.

My worry, let me call it problem, is that, After Fashola, all have just been none living things,. Lagosians know these people are not living, as they happen to be very enlightened. They voted JUST TO SPITE the minority.

Meaning Nigerians use English words incorrectly.

Touts : are PERSONS,

1) who buys tickets (e.g cinema tickets, tickets to horse-races or football matches ), horde them and
re-sell later ,at higher rates to make profits.

2) who provide information about a winning formula e.g in gambling or betting at a race-course ,in order to share a percentage ,out of the winning prizes/money.

Either case, neither Marwa nor Tinubu banned nor created touts.

The correction interpretation of what happened:

Gen Buba Marwa ,as a MILITARY Administrator of Lagos, instituted certain measures such as mass arrests and detention of certain youths who were considered Street Urchins ,thugs and banned the activities of NURTW,in attempts to improved security in the State ,between 1996-1999. Because, Nigeria was under MILITARY RULE at that time, these actions which obviously violated the rights of those individuals, couldn't be challenged in court.

Tinubu: in the early days of his administration, tried to copied Marwa ,by banning NURTW but the members of this body ,went to court to challenge this order and the court ruled that the Governor has no right to ban any citizen or union in the State.


On the issue of empowerment of touts: this is a grave ignorance ,which I will talk about later

ambale:
They don't mind being law abiding citizens outside but once they feel like going above the law, they come to Nigeria and wipe you slaves asses and you will praise them for wiping you softly😅

Why do many Nigerians on Social Media have this incurable urge to insult or curse anyone who espouse a contrary opinion such that it has become almost impossible to have meaningful discussions (which often involve exchanges of different views) in the Nigerian cyber space without insults,curses and abuses?

I regularly visit the Social Media sites of South Africa, US,UK, India,Morocco and several other countries. Their citizens discuss ,far more intelligently than what we see on Nigerian Social Media with citizens, permanently transferring aggressions on other citizens they perceived are different from them.

missjekyll:
It is much too shallow. Why was he not taken home . Shey na all these superstition,abi?

In Yoruba Traditions, anyone who died drawing is buried beside the water that killed him/her

shox:
that body will soon be washed back into the ocean. Dinner served for the fishes.

Rip young blood

It would have decayed in 3 months times but the bones will remain

okpouman:
Nigerian elites love Nigeria so much but they dont want their children to live n work in Nigeria

False, majority of their children return to Nigeria. They can't live as elites in the US,Europe or Canada

Nackzy:
They say this guy is a touts but he knows his onions

He was never a tout.


MC Oluomo started as a bus conductor, they driver ,then a Union official and later bought buses himself which were plying Oshodi-Abeokuta. People calling him touts ,know nothing about him and are just doing so, for political reasons.

1DigitalBaby:
Look they are just acting and they have a more profitable career than regular actors.
They entertain billions of people around the world.

Worry about yourself

Only few actresses are well paid, the majority are simply exploited. QED.

The Porn industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, but the actors and actresses are mere labourers in the industry, they only get less than 2% of the worth of the industry.


Most porn actresses are actually college drop-outs, legal and illegal immigrants, people from low socio-economic backgrounds or ethnic minorities, whom the producers convinced ,they would be better off, if they join the porn industry. However, they are few ladies ,who willingly join ,out of curiosity or rebellions.
The common truth to them all: they have short career life span and are often replaced by younger and new girls.

jpphilips:
I am not obligated to prove anything to anyone who struggles to understand the basis of a discourse. This was a national debate held at Aburi, mediated by the Ghanaian HOS at the time. Facts were presented by both sides and a resolution was reached, a solution that has worked for 60years, if you want to change it, common sense dictates you should try something different from what took you to Aburi in the first place, stop thinking like a Nigerian politician. Use your own head because in the end, the politician will serve out his term and leave, while you become the victim.

1) There was no national debate at Aburi, Ghana but a Truce meeting, brokered by the Ghanian Head of State between the Federal Military Government and Government of Eastern Region and even at that, this was NOT about State Police.
2) Native Authority Police in 1960s were ran by Native Authority (Local Governments ) and they didn't carry arms but uses buttons. There were not issues in the national discourse then.
3) Nigeria is a Federation and in all Federations, each Federating unit manage it's internal affairs, including security.

4) State Police and Resource Control are two vital steps, Nigeria needs to move closer to True Federalism.

nairalanda1:
If we carry your plan to fruition, only Lagos can afford state police. Barely. Most states can't . Make we no lie to ourselves.

Why crying more than the bereaved?

Let the States that can't afford it reject it.


States can afford State Universities, Hospitals, High courts etc but can't afford State Police? Even private residents form vigilantes to secure their Estates ,which on many occasions prevent thefts.

IBB007:
lol…I still don’t know why all these oil and gas associations can’t come together and build one functional refinery…they’ve really made enough from importation and dangote don comot food for their mouth

They are parts of the old era cartels, fighting desperately to prevent changes

nairalanda1:
All of a sudden we have gone from state police that is statewide to 'special force to augument the federal police'

You state police people should make up your mind, what is it you want?

As for me, most, if not all states cannot fund a state police. I am not attacking your positions or saying that you are so wrong, I am just stating a fact. To maintain a state police, most states are going to have to tax the citizens of the state that are not taxed...and most of you guys don't like that.

I mean, look at Zamfara....even if we use your idea....the state police still has to be well equipped....because bandits and firepower....and at the end of the day, where are we gonna get the money? From a state that is as broke as 34 of the 36 states? From a federal government whose federal police use ancient guns and weaponry because funding issues ?

Even our federal police, government has issues funding it properly, ya think there will be money enough for state police?

Let's face reality o. State police on paper is a good idea, but in the Nigerian setting, where we all rely on limited money from oil, and where most states don't want to do proper igr, it's basically unrealistic. Unless you want guys in khaki shorts and shirts wielding sticks and batons like the old NA Police.

States that afford State Police should have it.
Even now, are the current FG Police everywhere? The answer is CAPITAL NO.
There are many States in Nigeria that Police Stations are NOT available in rural areas.

The FG maintain a special Road Police called FRSC, are they everywhere?

DMerciful:
Did the new old national anthem implemented in 3 days not require act of national assembly? What about suspending Fubara?

You obviously don't know the differences between constitutional ammendments and ordinary acts of National Assembly.