The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to withdraw and deactivate passports held by individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and applies to persons whose renunciation has been formally approved by the President.
According to the government, the move is backed by constitutional provisions which state that individuals cease to be Nigerian citizens once their renunciation is registered.
The minister explained that former citizens are no longer entitled to hold Nigerian passports or any other sovereign documents.
He noted that the directive is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening passport control, preventing identity fraud, and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship system.
Authorities say the measure will close existing gaps that allowed some individuals to retain and use Nigerian passports after renouncing their citizenship.
