FG orders withdrawal of passports from Nigerians who renounced citizenship

The Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal of Nigerian passports from citizens who have officially renounced their nationality.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued the directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), according to a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the order affects individuals whose requests to renounce Nigerian citizenship have been formally approved by the President. He emphasized that once such approval is granted, the individuals cease to be Nigerian citizens and are therefore no longer eligible to possess or use Nigerian passports.

The minister cited provisions of the 1999 constitution to justify the directive.

“(1) 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 statement reads.

“(2) 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.”

Tunji-Ojo said persons who ceased to be citizens cannot retain sovereign documents.

He said the directive is part of efforts to strengthen citizenship integrity, noting that the move aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms.

“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 added.

The minister cited provisions of the 1999 constitution to justify the directive.