MINISTER OF INTERIOR DIRECTS NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO WITHDRAW PASSPORTS FROM PERSONS WHO HAVE RENOUNCED NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP

 MINISTER OF INTERIOR DIRECTS NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO WITHDRAW PASSPORTS FROM PERSONS WHO HAVE RENOUNCED NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP

By Adam Mohammed Sheriff 

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service to revoke the passports of Nigerian citizens who have officially renounced their citizenship and whose requests have been approved by the President. This order underscores the principle that once an individual voluntarily relinquishes their Nigerian citizenship, they should no longer hold or possess any Nigerian documents, including passports. The policy aligns with the stipulations outlined in Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the process of voluntary renunciation and the legal cessation of citizenship once the declaration is duly registered. 

In making this announcement, the Minister emphasized that this measure is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and uphold the integrity of Nigerian citizenship. He explained that the revocation of passports in such cases is crucial for preventing issues related to identity fraud, illegal migration, and border security breaches. The initiative is also a component of ongoing reforms targeted at modernizing Nigeria’s passport and visa systems to ensure they are more secure, efficient, and resistant to abuse.

The Minister expressed confidence that these measures will contribute significantly to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining legitimate travel procedures. The announcement was officially communicated by Alao Babatunde, Senior Assistant to the Minister for Media, on October 4, 2026. This move represents Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to protecting its borders, reinforcing lawful citizenship, and promoting national security through stringent document control policies.

Edited by Kim Dawhol