…reviews handbook on Citizenship Administration
MARGARET CHIDERA
The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied plans to increase the cost of obtaining the Citizenship Expatriate Resident Alien Card (CERPAC), from the current cost of $2,000 to $3,000 by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, said the clarification became necessary following a report in the social media regarding a proposed increase in the cost of obtaining Citizenship Expatriate Resident Alien Card, (CERPAC).
The Permanent Secretary urged the general public to disregard such information as it didn’t emanate from the ministry.
“The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to a report in the social media regarding a proposed increase in the cost of obtaining Citizenship Expatriate Resident Alien Card, (CERPAC) from the current cost of USD 2000 to USD 3000 by the Federal Government.
“The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior wishes to clarify that the information is not from the Ministry and should be disregarded.
“Relevant organisations and the general public are hereby advised to take note.” Said Akinlade
In a similar development, the Federal government through Ministry of Interior in collaboration with its critical stakeholders have commenced the review of the draft handbook on citizenship administration in Nigeria.
The disclosure was made yesterday by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, represented by Director Special Duties in the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Kabirwa, in Abuja.
Dr. Akinlade said that the handbook has provided a roadmap for administration of expatriate quota in Nigeria, adding that the citizenship handbook is expected to follow the same pattern for a seamless operationalisation.
The Permanent Secretary assured that outcome of the collective decision would be implemented at the end of the event, which she said would give a robust guideline that will drive the citizenship administration in Nigeria.
Earlier in the event, Director Citizenship and Business Mr. John Adeniran, said that the review of the handbook on citizenship administration was based on complaints received from stakeholders for the need to review the handbook in order to obtain necessary information to upgrade and meet with global best practice.
