FG DIRECTS WITHDRAWAL OF PASSPORTS FROM NIGERIANS WHO RENOUNCED CITIZENSHIP

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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR

The federal government has issued a directive for the withdrawal of passports from Nigerians who have renounced their citizenship. This directive was issued by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through a statement signed by his media aide, Alao Babatunde.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the directive applies to individuals whose requests to renounce their citizenship have been approved by the president, and they are no longer entitled to hold Nigerian passports. The minister cited provisions of the 1999 constitution as the basis for justifying the directive.

According to the statement, the process for renouncing Nigerian citizenship requires;

(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

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.