Some of the 286 foreigners who were granted Nigerian citizenship on Thursday, September 15, 2022 have given their reasons for making the decision to do so during a difficult time for the nation.
Mr. Hubertus Diers, a German businessman who was one of the 208 people granted citizenship status through naturalisation and the remaining 78 people via registration, gave an explanation of why he decided to become a Nigerian after exploring the country for 42 years.
Following a ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Interior in Abuja when he received his Nigerian citizenship, Dier, the owner of the business DIPOX’ Industrial Flooring Solutions, spoke.
“Over 42 years now I have been living mainly in Nigeria, I have many other opportunities and offers, but I did not follow up.
“In the 90s, I was in Ghana, but comparing its business life with that of Nigeria, it’s not the kind of country for my business.”
He claimed that his decision to apply to become a Nigerian was motivated by the number of years he had spent in Nigeria, business prospects, and the friendliness of Nigerians.
Installing industrial floors, he claimed, “I have travelled throughout Nigeria, I can say I know Nigeria better than my life.”
Mr. Jack Osankare, a Briton, expressed his happiness that his wish had come true and said that he made the decision to apply for Nigerian citizenship approximately 10 years ago so that he could live in Nigeria and conduct business there without difficulty.
“I adore Nigeria and would like to spend my golden years living here. I adore Nigerians because they are gracious, considerate, and treat visitors as if they were family, the man remarked.
Mrs. Darakhshan Khalid, a Pakistani beneficiary, revealed that she had spent more than ten years in Nigeria after marrying her Pakistani husband.
She added that she had been trying unsuccessfully for years to become a citizen of Nigeria before now.
“I adore the nation, its people, and the environment in general. I’ve always thought of Nigeria as my second home since Nigerians are so welcoming and friendly, Khalid stated.
