The Federal Government of Nigeria has instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service to withdraw or deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship.
The directive was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who clarified that it applies specifically to those whose renunciation requests have already received presidential approval.
“This directive applies to Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have formally been approved by the President,” the minister stated.
He stressed that it is unlawful for individuals who have given up their citizenship to continue holding Nigerian passports.
In a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister explained that the decision is grounded in Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
He referenced the constitutional provision: “(1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration… (2) The President shall cause the declaration… to be registered and upon such registration, the person… shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria.”
Tunji-Ojo further explained that once the renunciation process is completed and approved, such individuals no longer have the legal right to possess any Nigerian sovereign documents.
“Once a person ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria, he can no longer carry any sovereign document of Nigeria, including the Nation’s passport,” he said.
He added that the move is part of broader reforms in the passport and visa system aimed at improving border security, curbing identity fraud, and maintaining the integrity of Nigerian citizenship.
“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,” the minister said.