The Federal Ministry of Government has categorically denied rumors suggesting an impending increase in the cost of obtaining the Citizenship Expatriate Resident Alien (CERPAC) from the current fee of $2,000 to $3,000.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the ministry addressed the misinformation circulating on social media regarding the proposed fee hike.
“The ministry has become aware of a report circulating on social media that misinforms the public about a planned increase in the cost of obtaining CERPAC. The ministry wishes to clarify that this information did not originate from our ministry,” the statement clarified.
The ministry further urged relevant organizations and the general public to disregard the false information.
The CERPAC is a permit that grants foreigners the ability to work and reside in Nigeria for two years, with the possibility of renewal. The renewal process is contingent upon the validity of the expatriate quota held by the employer.
The Nigerian government’s swift response aims to quell any concerns and assure individuals and businesses that there are no immediate plans to raise the CERPAC fees.