Citizenship and the Nigerian state

What you need to know

• A citizen is a legal member of the state, with rights and duties. Citizenship comes by birth, registration or naturalisation.
• National symbols: flag (green-white-green), coat of arms, anthem, pledge, constitution, naira, the eagle and horses.
• The motto on the coat of arms: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.
• Duties: obey the law, pay tax, vote, protect public property, defend the country, respect the dignity of others.
• Rights: life, dignity, fair hearing, expression, movement, religion — all in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.
• Rights can be limited by law for public safety. They are not a licence to defame or incite.