ABUJA (Interior Ministry’ Report)- The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau has presented certificates of citizenship to 335 naturalized/registered citizens with the promise that henceforth Nigeria would grant approval for citizenship to deserving persons annually.
Gen. Dambazau spoke on the occasion of the formal conferment of citizenship and presentation of Certificates to those who became citizens of Nigeria either by Naturalization or Registration, in Abuja.
According to the Minister, “In line with Mr President’s ‘CHANGE’ Policy hinged on the three cardinal principles of anti-corruption, security and job creation, the Ministry of Interior ensured that all deserving persons were recommended to Mr President for approval.”
The Minister stated that the approval of citizenship to them was also in line with government’s effort at improving on the ease of doing business in the country, and urged them to positively project the image of the country both at home and abroad.
Gen. Dambazau noted that the occasion marked the implementation of the provision of Chapter III, Sections 26 and 27 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), adding that the Ministry received well over 500 applications from non-Nigerians seeking for “the grant of citizenship of Nigeria by either Naturalization or Registration”. 
He congratulated the awardees, who were represented by 14 persons, and enjoined them to be law-abiding and patriotic in the effort to place Nigeria among the advanced countries of the world, stressing.
In his words, “Your contributions and support towards nation building will certainly promote citizenry sustainability. For this reason, you are enjoined to use all the rights and privileges within the ambit of the law, by the new status bestowed upon as Nigerians, while at the same time fulfilling your fundamental obligations and responsibilities to Nigeria.”
In an opening remark, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, urged the awardees to make positive contributions to their new country, as well as live within the confines of the custom and tradition of their new country.
In a vote of thanks, Dr Lambert Shumbusho, promised that the awardees would abide by the constituted laws, as well as the custom and tradition of Nigeria.
Among those who received certificates of citizenship is Mrs Iara Adams Oshiomhole, wife of the former governor of Edo State, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.
