The Federal Government has directed that all Nigerian passports belonging to individuals who have officially renounced their citizenship be withdrawn and rendered invalid.
The instruction was handed down by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
He mandated the Nigeria Immigration Service to carry out the enforcement immediately.
The announcement was conveyed through his media aide, Alao Babatunde.
According to the directive, the measure specifically targets individuals whose applications to renounce their Nigerian citizenship have already received presidential approval.
Also, the Ministry of Interior explained that the action is grounded in constitutional provisions.
Citing Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, officials noted that once a renunciation request is formally registered by the President, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen.
Right To Hold Passport
Authorities emphasised that reclaiming these passports is essential to maintaining the credibility and security of Nigeria’s official travel documents.
The Minister reiterated that the right to hold a Nigerian passport automatically expires once citizenship is relinquished.
He further highlighted that the policy forms part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the country’s immigration system.
These efforts, he said, are focused on tightening border security, curbing identity fraud, and ensuring that only eligible individuals have access to Nigerian travel documents.
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Tunji-Ojo added that the government remains committed to modernising passport and visa processes while safeguarding the integrity of national identity and facilitating lawful international travel.
