The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw and deactivate passports held by Nigerians who have formally renounced their citizenship.
The directive, issued by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, applies strictly to persons whose renunciation has been formally approved and registered by the President under Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The ministry explained that once a person’s declaration of renunciation is registered, such an individual ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria and is no longer entitled to possess any sovereign document of the country, including the Nigerian passport.
The ministry said the move is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian citizenship, preventing identity fraud, and strengthening border‑security systems.
It added that the action forms part of ongoing reforms of the country’s passport and visa regime to ensure that only current citizens hold valid Nigerian travel documents.
