TheCable

Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, says foreigners from different parts of the world are desirous to become Nigerian citizens.

In September, the federal government had conferred Nigerian citizenship on 286 foreign nationals.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Aregbesola said the government has been receiving application from far and wide.

He said despite the present difficulties in the country, there is limitless potential in Nigeria for everyone.

The minister said contrary to the false assumption that Nigeria is a difficult place to live, other people who recognised their missions and desired to actualise them were obtaining Nigerian citizenship.

“We only need determined, bold, courageous and enthusiastic people to harvest the untapped opportunities that are here,” he said.

“Foreigners know where the opportunities are and how to go for them; that is why they are doing everything to be part of us.

“The real issue is determination and commitment to self-actualisation. Those who know what they want to do find Nigeria very welcoming and supportive.

“We receive applications from far and wide; there’s no single continent in the world without people desirous to be part of us.

“We are now processing passports of the 286 persons granted Nigerian citizenship in September.

“If you saw them; if you witnessed the enthusiasm of those people who have become part of us, you will be glad that there can be this number of foreigners desirous to be Nigerians.”

The minister clarified that a foreign individual must have lived in Nigeria continuously for at least 15 years before they are eligible to apply for Nigerian citizenship.

“For those that were granted citizenship in September, it took less than three years to process their papers,’’ Aregbesola said.