Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw or deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued the directive, stating that some individuals who have completed the renunciation process still retain Nigerian travel documents.
According to him, the order applies strictly to persons whose renunciation requests have been duly approved and registered by the President, in line with constitutional provisions.
“This directive , sss. Sas to Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have formally been approved by the president,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the Ministry derives its authority from Section 29 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines the legal process for renouncing citizenship.
He quoted the Constitution: any Nigerian of full age wishing to renounce citizenship must make a formal declaration, which, upon registration by the President, results in the individual ceasing to be a Nigerian citizen.
The minister emphasised that once citizenship is renounced, such individuals are no longer entitled to hold any Nigerian sovereign documents, including passports.
He added that the directive aligns with ongoing reforms in the passport and visa system aimed at strengthening national security and identity management.
“We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while preventing unauthorized or ineligible access,” he said.
The move, according to the ministry, is expected to boost the credibility of Nigeria’s travel documents and ensure that only eligible citizens enjoy the rights and privileges of Nigerian nationality..
