The Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports issued to individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and is to be implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
According to a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, the order applies strictly to persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been formally approved by the President.
The Minister explained that the decision is anchored on provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which stipulates that individuals who voluntarily renounce their citizenship cease to be recognized as Nigerian nationals. As a result, such individuals are no longer legally entitled to possess national identity documents, including passports issued by the government.
He emphasized that retaining Nigerian passports after renouncing citizenship constitutes a violation of national laws and could undermine the country’s identity management system.
“This measure is necessary to safeguard the integrity of our citizenship framework and prevent misuse of official documents,” the Minister stated.
The Federal Government noted that the move forms part of a broader reform initiative aimed at strengthening national security, improving identity verification processes, and enhancing the credibility of Nigerian travel documents globally.
Security analysts say the directive could help curb cases of identity fraud, illegal migration, and the misuse of Nigerian passports for unauthorized international activities.
The government also reassured citizens that efforts are ongoing to modernize the country’s immigration systems, improve border surveillance, and ensure that only eligible Nigerians benefit from the rights and privileges associated with citizenship.
Observers believe that the policy will further align Nigeria with global best practices, where countries strictly regulate the issuance and retention of passports based on citizenship status.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to transparency, national security, and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty, adding that enforcement of the directive will be carried out in accordance with due process and existing legal frameworks.