The Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service to enforce the measure without delay.
According to the minister, the order applies specifically to persons whose renunciation requests have been duly approved by the President, in line with constitutional provisions.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the action is backed by Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which provides that any Nigerian of full age may renounce citizenship through a formal declaration, and upon registration by the President, such a person ceases to be a citizen.
He emphasized that once citizenship is relinquished, affected individuals are no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document of the country, including a Nigerian passport.
The minister added that the move is part of ongoing passport and visa reforms aimed at strengthening national security and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship system.
“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 stated.
The directive is expected to enhance compliance with citizenship laws and curb the misuse of Nigerian travel documents by non-citizens.
