Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Despite how badly the image of the country may have been painted before the comity of nations, the Federal Government said over 170 foreigners have applied for Nigerian citizenship.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship (ACNC).
He said that Nigerian citizenship is a privilege that must be earned, stressing the need for a thorough scrutiny of all applicants.
He charged members of the committee to diligently scrutize every application and ensure that only individuals of proven integrity and good character are considered worthy of Nigerian citizenship.
“Anyone who holds the citizenship of our great country must be a person of strong character and impeccable integrity, reflecting the true values of Nigeria,” the minister stated.
Tunji-Ojo maintained that legal migration must be respected, adding that his administration will not tolerate any attempt to obtain Nigerian citizenship or naturalisation through illegal means.
Reiterating President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister highlighted that the committee’s work directly supports the government’s vision of national integrity, security, and prosperity.
He added that citizenship cannot be granted to individuals who pose potential security threats, urging members of the committee to uphold the trust placed in them and ensure that only the most deserving applicants are approved.
“Nigeria remains the greatest asset to its citizens,” Tunji-Ojo said, calling on all stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s integrity and greatness.
In a statement, members of the advisory committee on Nigerian Citizenship include: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior; representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice; representatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); as well as the Directors of Citizenship and Business and Legal Services of the Ministry of Interior.
