FG Orders Withdrawal of Passports from Nigerians Who Renounce Citizenship

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports held by individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship.

The directive, according to the Minister, applies strictly to persons whose renunciation requests have been duly approved by the President, in line with constitutional provisions.

Tunji-Ojo stated that the action is backed by Section 29 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines the legal process for renouncing citizenship. He explained that once such renunciation is registered by the President, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen.

He emphasized that non-citizens are not entitled to possess Nigeria’s sovereign documents, including passports, noting that retaining such documents after renunciation is inconsistent with the law.

The Minister added that the move forms part of ongoing passport and visa reforms aimed at strengthening national security, preventing identity fraud, and safeguarding 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,” he said.