The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship, in a renewed push to tighten national identity and border security systems.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and applies to Nigerians whose renunciation of citizenship has been duly approved in line with constitutional procedures.
According to the Ministry, the move is grounded in Sections 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows any Nigerian of full age to voluntarily renounce citizenship, subject to presidential approval.
Once such approval is granted, the individual ceases to be a citizen and is therefore no longer entitled to hold or use Nigerian sovereign documents, including international passports.
Immigration Service directed to enforce compliance
Tunji-Ojo directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate all affected passports, stressing that continued use of such documents after renunciation undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s identity system.
He said the measure forms part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening passport administration, improving data management, and preventing identity fraud.
The Minister added that the policy is also intended to ensure that only eligible citizens retain access to Nigerian travel documents.
Part of wider security reforms
The Interior Ministry said the decision aligns with ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s immigration and identity management systems, particularly amid growing concerns over document misuse and irregular migration.
Officials explained that tighter enforcement of citizenship status is necessary to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s passport and enhance border control operations.
Legal framework for citizenship renunciation
Under Nigerian law, citizenship renunciation becomes effective only after formal declaration and presidential approval, after which the individual loses all rights attached to citizenship.
Authorities say the latest directive is aimed at ensuring full compliance with this provision, while closing gaps that may allow former citizens to retain or use Nigerian identity documents unlawfully.
Further administrative guidelines are expected to be issued to streamline implementation across immigration commands and ensure proper database synchronization.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security while maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship and travel documentation systems.
Nigeria to Deactivate Passports of Citizens Who Renounce Nationality
