FG To Withdraw Passports Of Nigerians Who Renounce Citizenship
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports issued to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship, following presidential approval of their requests.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde.
It applies to Nigerians whose renunciation has been duly approved and registered by the President.
Tunji-Ojo said the ministry’s action is backed by Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.
“The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria.”
He explained that once a person ceases to be a Nigerian citizen, such an individual is no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document of the country, including a passport.
The minister added that the move aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms by the ministry.
He said the directive is intended to close existing gaps that allowed former citizens to continue travelling with Nigerian passports after their renunciation had been officially recognised.
“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 unauthorised or ineligible access,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
