Nigeria to Withdraw Passports from Renouncing Citizens

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a directive to withdraw passports from citizens who formally renounce their Nigerian citizenship. This decision is part of ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service, aimed at closing gaps that allow former citizens to travel on Nigerian passports after renouncing their citizenship.

The directive is based on Section 29(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that a citizen wishing to renounce their citizenship must declare this in a prescribed manner. Once the declaration is registered, the individual ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria and is no longer entitled to hold any sovereign documents, including a passport.

This move is intended to strengthen Nigeria's border security, prevent identity fraud, and preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship while facilitating legitimate travel and preventing unauthorized access.