Buhari Confers Nigerian Citizenship On 286 Foreigners, Demands ‘Love And Loyalty’

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Nigerian citizenship rights on 286 foreigners including Lebanese, British, Americans, Egyptians, Syrians, Italians and Palestinians.

Hundreds Of Foreigners Become Nigerian Citizens

It was gathered that 208 were conferred citizenship status by naturalization, while the remaining 78 were conferred by registration after they officially recited the oath of allegiance and the Nigerian national pledge during the ceremony held at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari said the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.

He directed the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately issue the new Nigerians with certificates, as appropriate, to enable them enjoy the status wherever they reside in the country.

While addressing the new Nigerians, the president urged them to make positive contributions to the different communities where they reside, and abide by ideals of the nation.

Buhari also assured them that Nigeria is a nation united by the principles of opportunity, equality, and liberty as enshrined in the constitution, stressing that the ceremony was a constitutional requirement, aimed at removing the tag of “statelessness” on every bonafide citizen of the country.

He said: “You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you.

“All those concerned with immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their local councils should assist with their integration in the local community, to enable them enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen.”

“No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history, and our traditions are now your traditions. Nigeria is your home and pride and joy.

“You are expected to abide by the ideals and institution of the Nigerian national flag, anthem, pledge and respect for all constituted authorities.

‘’All those concerned with immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their local governments should assist with their integration into the local community to enable them to enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen.’’

“In line with our transformational ideals of strict adherence to due process and transparent procedures, the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.”

In his address, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said the beneficiaries were from the United States, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Middle East, Oceania and Africa, who have seen the good in Nigeria.

”Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us,’’ Aregbesola said, adding that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.

He noted that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.

KanyiDaily recalls that a foreigner who got married to a Nigerian woman had lamented about his inability to gain Nigerian citizenship, which will make him leave the country.