Nigeria is stepping up enforcement of its citizenship laws, as Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directs authorities to revoke travel documents held by individuals who have renounced their nationality.
The Minister ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports issued to former citizens, describing the move as necessary to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and identity systems.
“This is about aligning our records with the law, Once an individual has ceased to be a Nigerian citizen, it is only proper that they no longer retain Nigerian travel documents,” Tunji-Ojo said.
According to officials, the directive applies strictly to cases where renunciation has been formally approved by the President, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
A senior immigration official, who spoke on the policy, emphasized its legal basis: “Section 29 is clear citizenship ends once renunciation is registered. The passport, as proof of that citizenship, must also be withdrawn.”
Government sources say the measure is part of a broader push to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and prevent misuse of Nigerian identification by non-citizens.
“This is not punitive, It is simply the enforcement of an already established legal process.” the official added.