The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday in Abuja, made this known during the unveiling of a new handbook on Citizenship Administration in Nigeria.

He noted that if the provisions in the document are followed, it would help develop the country.

The handbook prescribed conditions for the acquisition of citizenship by foreigners and citizens born outside Nigeria by Nigerian parents, among others.

It also prescribed conditions for “citizenship by investment,” amongst which is “evidence of the required amount for investment,” pegged at a minimum of one million United States dollars.

Tunji-Ojo added that the document was capable of transforming the management of citizenship and business administration in Nigeria like never before.

He said, “A greater Nigeria is here. You and I are here for a Nigeria that will work for all of us, both the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor. With the Renewed Hope Agenda, what Nigerians are yearning for has come to stay. There is no need for anybody to shake hands before you can do business here.

We practicalise what has been codified in the handbook, Nigeria will grow at a rate that’s proportionate with its rich human and material resources.

“We have taken a critical look at the Citizenship Administration in Nigeria together with major stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Justice and made far-reaching amendments to the document in a way that the country would become better in all aspects of life. ”

He also hoped that the handbook would help bolster the security of the country.

Tunji-Ojo stated, “It is therefore our hope that what has been codified in the handbook will be a reality to enhance internal security in terms of entrance and exiting, granting of business permits, naturalisation, and the protection of marriage institutions in Nigeria.”

The minister had announced in December that the Federal Government was working to ensure a full automation system of passport application in the country.

At the time, the minister said the automated application system was “99% done,” adding that the process would include uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

Meanwhile, Ojo while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja, alongside the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, on Monday, confirmed that Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact.

The minister said that the ministry has commenced the training process that will lead to the live launching of the automation.

He said, “We are good to go live.  We are starting the training and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.

“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum.”

He  added that the initiative will improve the security architecture of the country, prompting a quick detection of fake passport applications and reducing bottlenecks

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Manga disclosed this in a statement in a statement on Tuesday.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s occasion.

He enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.

The Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end.”

Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black people.

While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urged all Nigerians and the youth in particular, to embrace peace and cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a virile nation, which all citizens can be proud of.

Ogbeni Aregbesola who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges, noting that the challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.

The unveiling took place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Wednesday.

In attendance at the meeting was Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the Federal Ministers.

The Federal Ministers include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Information and Culture, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, among others.

The Federal Government had earlier in September called on Nigerians to submit creative ideas that can brand the anniversary which is themed “Together at 60”.

Nigeria’s Independence is usually celebrated annually on October 1.