The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, has presented certificates of citizenship to 217
foreigners with a call on them to abide by national ethics and code of conduct as Nigerians.

Moro said the 217 foreign nationals, comprising 129, who naturalised and 88, who became
Nigerians by registration, were conferred citizenship after they were recommended to
President Goodluck Jonathan for approval by the Advisory Committee on Nigerian
citizenship.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the awardees in Abuja on Monday, the
minister explained that only deserving persons were granted citizenship after a rigorous
selection process and transparent procedure.

According to him, the journey to the grant of Nigerian citizenship is long, fruitful and
value-adding, noting that the ceremony underscores the fact that the world is now an
integrated society.

He urged the beneficiaries to enjoy all rights and privileges within the confines of the law, as
conferred on them by their new status as Nigerians, while fulfilling their foundational
obligations and responsibilities to Nigeria.

The minister enjoined the new citizens to use the national anthem and pledge as their guiding
creed “as they encapsulate our collective aspiration and envelopes the entwined values we
associate with the Nigerian citizenship.”

Moro added, “We should as a nation seize the opportunity to inject more credible people with
capacity, value-adding resource and friends of our dear country into the nation by granting
them citizenship as we can achieve more collectively while seeking to improve on our shared
destiny.”

One of the awardees, Calvino Erico, who spoke on behalf of others, said he was born in Nigeria
43 years ago, noting that his family had lived in the country for decades. He thanked the
government for granting them Nigerian citizenship and promised to work hard for the
development of the country.”

http://www.punchng.com/news/fg-grants-217-foreigners-nigerian-citizenship/

People are just wondering if the State of Origin and Federal character requirement of quota for employments and appointments apply to them also??...Anyways they are all welcome.

Hmmm