Dutch Entrepreneur Wiebe Boer Criticizes Kemi Badenoch for Renouncing Nigerian Identity

Dr. Wiebe Boer, a Dutch entrepreneur born and raised in Nigeria, has condemned comments by UK opposition politician Kemi Badenoch, who recently stated that she no longer identifies as Nigerian. Boer described the remarks as “deeply problematic”, warning that they send a damaging message about representation and history.

In a Friday post on LinkedIn, Boer emphasized that Nigeria remains a central part of his identity, both personally and professionally, no matter where he lives or works.

Speaking on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth, Badenoch, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, revealed that she had not renewed her Nigerian passport in more than 20 years and no longer considered Nigeria part of her identity.

“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, but by identity I’m not really,” Badenoch said, while acknowledging she still has family in Nigeria and is familiar with the country.

Boer, who now holds Dutch citizenship, rejected the idea of disassociating from one’s heritage:

“As a proud Nigerian-born and raised Dutchman, I claim Nigeria anywhere and everywhere, from boardrooms in Amsterdam to classrooms in Michigan and hospitals in Guyana. Nigeria is part of the engine that drives who I am. So, hearing that Kemi Badenoch has chosen to disassociate from Nigeria was deeply disappointing.”

Drawing comparisons to other global leaders, Boer noted that Barack Obama never disowned his Kenyan or Indonesian roots, and Rishi Sunak has never distanced himself from his Indian and East African heritage.

“Embracing Nigerian identity has never been more relevant in the UK,” he added, citing the country’s influence in commerce, politics, literature, sports, music, and religion.

Boer highlighted Nigerian figures who have achieved global recognition, including:

• Anthony Joshua – Boxing champion

• Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, David Oyelowo – Acclaimed actors

• Seal, Sade, Dave – Music icons

• Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze – England football stars

• Ben Okri – Booker Prize-winning author

He also pointed to Nigerian-led or Nigerian-founded companies with a significant presence in the UK, such as Guaranty Trust Bank, Helios Investment Partners, IHS Towers, and Seplat Energy, as examples of Nigerian-driven innovation, investment, and job creation.

“You can critique a country without renouncing it. Choosing to distance yourself from Nigeria sends a message, and for those of us who understand its complexity, beauty, and resilience, it stings. I will always claim Nigeria. Everyday, everywhere,” Boer concluded.