By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw and deactivate the passports of Nigerians who have formally renounced their citizenship but are still in possession of the country’s travel documents.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s border security systems and preventing identity-related fraud involving national documents.
Details of the directive were disclosed in a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde, who explained that the order applies specifically to individuals whose applications to renounce Nigerian citizenship have been officially approved by the President.
According to the statement, the Minister referenced provisions contained in Section 29 subsections (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which stipulate that once a person renounces Nigerian citizenship, such an individual ceases to be recognized as a citizen and is no longer entitled to hold sovereign documents issued by the country, including a Nigerian passport.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that the continued possession of Nigerian passports by individuals who have legally relinquished their citizenship is inconsistent with the nation’s laws and undermines the integrity of official travel documentation.
He explained that the directive forms part of the broader passport and visa reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Interior to improve the management of Nigeria’s identity and travel systems.
The Minister noted that the policy is intended to protect the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship while ensuring that travel documentation is reserved strictly for those who remain legally recognized as citizens of the country.
He further stated that the measure will help strengthen border management, facilitate legitimate travel processes, and prevent the misuse of Nigerian passports by individuals who are no longer eligible to possess them.
Tunji-Ojo reassured that the ministry remains committed to improving systems that safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity while addressing identity fraud and other security concerns associated with travel documentation.
Following the directive, the Nigeria Immigration Service is expected to immediately begin the process of identifying affected individuals and withdrawing or electronically deactivating their passports in accordance with the law.
The development is widely viewed as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reinforce national security and ensure strict compliance with Nigeria’s citizenship regulations.
