Meaning of Citizenship
Explain how citizenship is acquired and what it means.
A citizen is a legal member of a state with rights and responsibilities.
- Define citizenship.
- Explain ways of acquiring citizenship in Nigeria.
- Distinguish citizenship from residency.
What Citizenship Means
Citizenship is the legal bond between a person and a state. It gives the person rights, such as voting and protection, and duties, such as obeying the law.
Acquiring Citizenship
- By birth — born to Nigerian parents or born in Nigeria under the conditions set by law.
- By registration — for certain persons, such as a woman married to a Nigerian citizen.
- By naturalisation — after meeting residence and character requirements.
Citizen and Resident
A resident lives in a country; a citizen is a legal member with political rights. A foreigner may live and work in Nigeria without becoming a citizen.
A citizen may vote, hold a passport and seek public office.
The same citizen must pay tax, obey the law and respect others' rights.
Practice
- Define citizenship.
- Name three ways of acquiring citizenship.
- Explain one difference between a citizen and a resident.
Recap
Citizenship is a legal membership with rights and duties, acquired by birth, registration or naturalisation.
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The Citizen and the State
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