Nigeria: 217 foreigners get citizenship

WorldStage Newsonline-- The Federal Government of Nigeria has presented certificate of Nigerian citizenship to 217 foreign national, who included 129 naturalisation and 88 others through registration.

The beneficiaries included Americans, Indians, Lebanese, Israelis, Dutch, Congolese, Cameroonians and Ghanaians among others.

Presenting the certificate to the awardees on behalf of the federal government in Abuja, Monday, Minister of Interior, comrade Abba Moro, described the journey for the grant of Nigerian Citizenship to the beneficiaries as a ‘long but fruitful and value adding process.’

Moro noted that his ministry carefully screened and interviewed the applicants in addition to the recommendation of the in-house committee, which was considered by the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship (ACNC) and latter made recommendation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval in line with the constitution.

 While urging them to be in one accord with the ethics and code of conduct, Interior minister warned that if any one of the do otherwise, the law will not sphere them. He said; “as new citizens, you are admonished to abide by the ideals and institutions of the Nigerian National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and respect all constituted authorities.

“All hands must be on deck as we seek to build on the nation’s current successes and ensure peace and stability in our great country.” He advised.

Legal adviser of the ministry of Interior, Mrs. Oluwagbemisola Ajibade, who read the oath for the beneficiaries, called on them to always defend Nigerian constitution as they have pledged.

Responding on behalf the awardees, Mr. Calvino Erico, who said he has been in Nigeria for forty years, noted that he has seen the good and bad time of Nigeria. He therefore assured that all the awardees will abide and do everything possible in contributing their quotas to the development of Nigeria.