Nigeria Withdraws Passports from Renounced Citizens

The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated the Nigerian Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate the passports of individuals who renounce their Nigerian citizenship. This directive was announced by Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, who emphasized that the action is in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 29, which outlines the process for renouncing citizenship.

Ojo noted that once a person ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria, they are no longer entitled to carry any sovereign documents, including the national passport. This move is part of ongoing reforms in passport and visa management aimed at strengthening national security, improving identity management systems, and preventing unauthorized access to Nigerian citizenship.

The Minister expressed that these reforms will enhance the credibility of Nigerian travel documents and ensure that eligible citizens enjoy the rights and privileges associated with Nigerian nationality.