FG withdraws passports from Nigerians who renounced citizenship
Federal Government directs NIS to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports of citizens who have formally renounced their Nigerian nationality. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the directive applies only to those whose renunciation requests were formally approved by the President.
Legal basis: Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution states that citizens of full age wishing to renounce must make a declaration in prescribed manner, and upon Presidential registration, they cease to be Nigerian citizens. Once no longer citizens, individuals are not entitled to possess sovereign documents including Nigerian passports.
This move aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms aimed at securing borders, preventing identity fraud, and preserving citizenship sanctity while facilitating legitimate travel. The Ministry emphasizes that citizenship carries rights and responsibilities that must be maintained or formally relinquished.
What implications does this have for dual citizenship arrangements, and how might this affect Nigerians living abroad who still maintain family or business ties to Nigeria?