From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has criticised the 15 years residency requirement for foreigners who wish to become Nigerian citizens.
The minister who charged the 2023 Advisory Committee on Nigeria Citizenship (ACNC) to expedite action in the processing of applications for Nigerian citizenship, described the constitutional requirement as too long and a disincentive for foreigners who would have loved to become Nigerians and add to national development.
“I am looking forward to some changes in the requirements, expedited processing of applications and timeous recommendation of qualified applicants to Mr President for confirmation,” he said.
The minister added that the applicants for Nigerian citizenship come from virtually all the nations of the world, many of them evidently more affluent than Nigeria. This, he observed, shows indisputably that Nigeria has an irresistible attraction for them, in spite of her numerous challenges.
He regretted that after many years, only 286 were able to cross the huddle to become Nigerian citizens.
Aregbesola maintained that the country received applications on daily basis from aliens who have so much love for the country and would like to become her citizens.
“Nigeria is a very great country and is the envy of many nations, including developed ones. Nigerians all over the world continue to distinguish themselves in academia, the professions, sports and in entertainment. Just this weekend, a Nigerian singer, Tems, won a laurel in the prestigious Grammy Awards in the United States, shooting our nation to global reckoning. She followed a long list of Nigerians that have been so honoured at this zenith of music appreciation and reward event in past years,” the minister noted.
The committee members were drawn from within the ministry and outside the ministry, which includes the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Directorate of Security Service,(DSS), the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF), the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), were present at the meeting.