* Tunji Ojo
The Pathfinder
Saturday April 11, 2026
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The Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by citizens who have formally renounced their nationality.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Nigeria Immigration Service, mandating strict enforcement against affected individuals.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde, the order applies specifically to persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been duly approved and registered by the President.
The policy is anchored on Section 29 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that any Nigerian of full age may renounce citizenship through a formal declaration. Upon registration of such declaration by the President, the individual officially ceases to be a Nigerian citizen.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that once citizenship is relinquished, the individual no longer has the legal right to possess or use Nigerian sovereign documents, including the national passport.
“This measure is necessary to uphold the integrity of our national identity system,” the minister stated, adding that it is part of broader reforms aimed at tightening passport control and immigration processes.
He explained that the move is designed to enhance border security, prevent identity-related fraud, and ensure that only eligible persons have access to Nigerian travel documents.
“We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while preventing unauthorized access,” he said.
The directive forms part of ongoing efforts by the Interior Ministry to reform Nigeria’s passport and visa framework while aligning with global best practices in identity and border management.
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