FG enforces stricter rules, revokes passports of Nigerians who renounce citizenship
FG enforces stricter rules, revokes passports of Nigerians who renounce citizenship
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by individuals who have officially renounced their citizenship.
The order, issued to the Nigeria Immigration Service, affects persons whose renunciation requests have been approved and formally registered by the President, in line with constitutional provisions.
Tunji-Ojo said the move is backed by Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that once a renunciation is registered, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen. He stressed that such persons are no longer entitled to possess sovereign documents, including Nigerian passports.
“This measure is critical to preserving the integrity of our citizenship system,” he said, warning that retaining Nigerian passports after renouncing citizenship is both illegal and unacceptable.
The minister explained that the directive is part of wider reforms in Nigeria’s passport and visa system, aimed at strengthening national security, improving identity management, and curbing fra¥d.
According to him, the policy will protect the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship while ensuring that only qualified individuals enjoy its rights and privileges.
The government also noted that the move is expected to boost the credibility of Nigeria’s travel documents and reinforce border security systems.
