The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw and deactivate the passports of individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship.
The directive was issued by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who emphasized that enforcement should begin immediately. He clarified that the order applies strictly to persons whose renunciation has been formally approved by the President in accordance with constitutional provisions.
According to a statement from the minister’s media aide, Alao Babatunde, the policy aims to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship framework and prevent the misuse of official travel documents.
Tunji-Ojo explained that once an individual legally gives up Nigerian citizenship, all associated rights and privileges—including holding a Nigerian passport—automatically cease.
He further instructed the NIS to carry out compliance checks and deactivate all affected passports in its system without delay.
The government based the directive on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which allows Nigerians of full age to renounce their citizenship through a formal declaration process.
As part of the procedure, applicants must submit Form G along with required documents such as birth certificates, proof of indigeneship, passport photographs, sworn declarations of renunciation, and a valid Nigerian passport. They are also expected to show evidence of eligibility for citizenship in another country and pay the necessary administrative fees.
Officials say the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen border control, improve identity management, and enhance national security.
“We will continue to reinforce systems that safeguard Nigeria’s borders, curb identity fraud, uphold the value of Nigerian citizenship, and support lawful travel,” the minister stated.
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