The Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by citizens who have formally renounced their nationality.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued the directive on Saturday, mandating the Nigeria Immigration Service to enforce the measure without delay.
According to a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the order applies strictly to individuals whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been duly approved by the President in line with constitutional provisions.
Tunji-Ojo said the move was aimed at preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship system and preventing the misuse of official travel documents.
He stressed that once an individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen, such a person is no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document of the country, including its passport.
“The possession of Nigerian passports by non-citizens constitutes a breach of sovereign identity regulations,” the minister said.
The directive signals a tougher enforcement stance by the Federal Government on nationality and documentation, particularly for Nigerians who voluntarily relinquish their citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality.
Although Nigeria permits dual citizenship for citizens by birth, authorities maintained that individuals who formally renounce their nationality forfeit all rights and privileges attached to citizenship, including access to national identification and travel documents.
The government noted that the latest action reinforces existing laws, making it clear that retaining Nigerian passports after renunciation is no longer acceptable.
Officials, however, did not disclose the number of Nigerians affected or provide details on how those impacted would be identified.
Sources within the immigration system indicated that the NIS would begin compliance checks and deactivate affected passports from its database as part of implementation.
The minister anchored the directive on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the process for renouncing Nigerian citizenship.
Under the provision, a citizen of full age may voluntarily renounce nationality by submitting a formal declaration to the government. Upon registration of the declaration by the President, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen.
Applicants are required to complete prescribed documentation, including a renunciation form, sworn oath, and supporting identity documents, alongside proof of eligibility for citizenship in another country.
Once approved, the individual automatically loses all legal ties to Nigeria’s citizenship framework.
Border control reforms
Tunji-Ojo said the policy forms part of broader reforms by the Interior Ministry to strengthen identity management and border control systems.
“We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel,” he added.
The development underscores the government’s renewed focus on safeguarding official documents and ensuring that only eligible citizens retain access to Nigeria’s sovereign identity instruments.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
