FG orders withdrawal of passports from Nigerians who renounced citizenship

The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw Nigerian passports from individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the directive in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Alao Babatunde.

According to the minister, the order applies strictly to persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been approved by the President, noting that such individuals automatically cease to be citizens and are therefore no longer entitled to hold Nigerian international passports.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tunji-Ojo explained that citizenship by renunciation becomes invalid once duly registered and approved.

“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 quoted the Constitution.

“Upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria.”

The minister stressed that continued possession of Nigerian passports by former citizens undermines the integrity of the country’s identity and travel documents.

He added that the directive is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening citizenship management, enhancing border security, and preventing identity fraud.

“We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and ensure that only eligible persons have access to Nigerian travel documents,” he said.