FG Orders Passport Withdrawal for Renounced Citizens

The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated the immediate withdrawal of passports from citizens who officially renounce their Nigerian citizenship. This directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, and targets individuals whose renunciation requests have been approved by the President.

According to the policy, once a person loses their Nigerian citizenship, they are no longer entitled to carry any sovereign documents, including passports. This action is part of a broader initiative to reform passport and visa processes within the Ministry of Interior, aimed at enhancing border security, preventing identity fraud, and preserving the integrity of Nigerian citizenship.

The legal basis for this directive is grounded in Section 29, subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for renouncing citizenship. The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that these measures will continue to strengthen Nigeria's security systems and prevent unauthorized access to travel documents.