By Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior has categorically stated that there is no proposed increase in the cost of obtaining Citizenship Expatriate Resident Alien Card, (CERPAC) from the current cost of $2000 to $3000 by the Federal Government.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, while reacting to the rumour in a statement said 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, said the information is not from the Ministry and should be disregarded, advising companies to discountenance such report as fake news.
…REVIEWS HANDBOOK ON CITIZENSHIP ADMINISTRATION
In another development, the Federal government also through the Ministry in collaboration with its critical stakeholders commenced the review of the draft handbook on citizenship administration in Nigeria.
Akinlade, who was represented by the Director Special Duties in the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Kabirwa, said it is worthy to note that, aside from the stakeholders conferences held in 2018 and 2021, respectively on the conduct of statutory marriages in Nigeria.
Akinlade, said: “Attention was drawn for stakeholders’ engagement on the review of expatriate quota administration that was also held in the year 2022 and the handbook was launched on 9th May, 2023.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the handbook had 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 operationalization.
She assured that the 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 stateholders for the need to review the handbook in order to obtain necessary information to upgrade to meet with global best practice.
Dignitaries in attendendance were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, represented by Deputy Director Hajiya Naja’atu A. Hassan, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, represented by Barr. Alhassan Mohammed and Directors and staff from the Ministry of Interior.
Signed: Afonja Fatai Ajibola
Director (Press&Public Relations)