14 Britons are among 286 foreign nationals awarded Nigerian citizenship as special ceremony

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Nigerian citizenship on a total of 286 foreign nationals at a special ceremony the presidential villa in Abuja after they took the oath of allegiance adopting Nigerian citizenship.

Part of the government's programme to recognise the right of expatriates to seek Nigerian citizenship, the ceremony was the last phase in switch-over. Those who were given Nigerian citizenship after the ceremony included those born to expatriate parents in the country, those with Nigerian spouses and people who had lived in the country for long.

In total, 286 foreign nationals, including four Americans, 14 Britons and 86 Lebanese citizens  took the oath of allegiance adopting Nigerian citizenship yesterday. Interior minister Rauf Aregbesola, said the Federal Executive Council had, on February 9, approved the list of the 286 foreigners seeking Nigerian citizenship.

President Muhammadu Buhari 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.”

He explained that out of the 286 foreign nationals presented with certificates of Nigerian citizenship, 208 got certificates for naturalisation, while 78 got certificates by registration. This now empowers them to operate as Nigerians and enjoy all the benefits of being a citizen.