FG Orders Withdrawal of Passports from Nigerians Who Renounce Citizenship

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by individuals who have officially renounced their citizenship.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service, making it clear that once a person gives up their Nigerian citizenship, they are no longer entitled to hold a Nigerian passport.

According to the minister’s media aide, Alao Babatunde, the decision is based on provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The law states that any Nigerian who formally declares their intention to renounce citizenship and whose request is approved and registered by the President automatically ceases to be a citizen.

Tunji-Ojo explained that keeping a Nigerian passport after that process is no longer valid, since the document represents the country’s sovereignty and is only meant for its citizens.

The move is part of a broader effort by the Interior Ministry to tighten passport and visa processes.

Authorities say it is aimed at strengthening border security, reducing identity fraud, and protecting the integrity of Nigerian citizenship.

The minister added that the government will continue to improve systems that both support legitimate travel and prevent misuse of official documents.