The Federal Government has ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw and deactivate Nigerian passports held by individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued the directive, which applies strictly to people whose requests for renunciation have been approved and registered by the President.
In a Saturday statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde, the minister explained that once a person’s renunciation is officially registered, they no longer qualify as a Nigerian citizen and are not permitted to hold or use any Nigerian official document, including a passport.
“Some individuals who have completed the renunciation process continue to retain and travel with Nigerian passports, which is inconsistent with their new status,” the statement noted.
The move aims to close this loophole and reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship and travel documents.
The directive is based on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states:
Any adult citizen of Nigeria who wishes to renounce their Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for renunciation.
The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered. Upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a Nigerian citizen.”
The minister highlighted that the policy aligns with ongoing reforms in passport issuance, visa processing, and border security, aimed at preventing identity fraud and maintaining the value of Nigerian travel documents.
Affected individuals must surrender their Nigerian passports to the NIS.
The service will deactivate the passports in its database, rendering them invalid for travel or any official use as Nigerian identification.
The directive does not affect dual citizens who have not completed the formal renunciation process.
Nigeria’s constitution generally allows dual nationality for citizens by birth, but formal renunciation results in the loss of citizenship rights, including passport ownership.
No specific grace period or enforcement timeline beyond “immediate action” was provided in the statement, although the NIS is expected to conduct compliance checks.
The Ministry of Interior and NIS have urged affected individuals to comply voluntarily to avoid potential legal consequences.
Those with questions about the process are advised to contact the nearest NIS offices or the Ministry of Interior for guidance.r for guidance.r for guidance.r for guidance.r for guidance.r for guidance.
Administrator and Writer
