A total of 335 foreign nationals were on Tuesday in Abuja granted
citizenship by the Federal Government after statutory clearance and due
diligence by the relevant security agencies, the government announced.
The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, who presented the certificates of citizenship to the recipients, charged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Lara Oshiomhole, wife
of former Governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomole, was one of the recipients.
Mrs. Oshiomhole is from Cape Verde.
Mr. Dambazau, in his remarks, said that 335 applicants were approved
by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in January, out of the over 500
foreigners that applied.
He explained that 245 of the foreigners approved were granted
citizenship by naturalisation while 90 were by registration. The second
group had mainly foreigners married to Nigerians.
“Let me say that application for the Citizenship of Nigeria which can
be by Naturalisation or Registration is provided for in Chapter 3,
Sections 26 and 27 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria,’’ the minister explained.
The minister said the approval was part of the government’s effort on
the “Ease of doing business in Nigeria” and boosting Nigeria’s image in
line with international best practice.
He tasked the new citizens to be of good conduct, respect the rights
and customs of their communities and contribute to the development of
Nigeria.
Mr. Damabazau said the last time such ceremony was conducted was in
December, 2013 and pledged to ensure its sustenance on an annual basis
for proper scrutiny.
Lamabert Shumbusho, from Rwanda, who responded on behalf of the
recipients, thanked the Federal Government and pledged their loyalty and
commitment to the development of Nigeria.
NAN reports other recipients include nationals from Lebanon, Syria,
Pakistan, China and some African countries, most of whom are business
moguls who have been operating in Nigeria for years.
The Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
are charged with the responsibility of processing applications for
Naturalisation from foreign nationals who have stayed/lived in Nigeria
for a minimum of 15 years and those by Registration who are mainly
married to Nigerians. (NAN)
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