The Federal Government has issued a directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) mandating the immediate deactivation and withdrawal of passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship.

This directive was officially communicated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao.

According to the Minister, the order specifically targets Nigerians whose requests for renunciation of citizenship have received formal approval from President Bola Tinubu.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the directive is in strict adherence to the constitutional provisions governing citizenship status in Nigeria.

He stated, “Once a person ceases to be a citizen, they can no longer hold sovereign documents like the Nigerian passport.”

The Minister cited Section 29(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that declarations of renunciation must be registered by the President.

Upon the registration of such a declaration, the individual officially forfeits their Nigerian citizenship status.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo further added, “We are committed to securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring only eligible citizens hold travel documents.”

He explained that this measure is part of a broader set of reforms designed to enhance the nation's border security and to combat identity-related fraud.

The Nigerian Constitution outlines a structured process for individuals seeking to renounce their citizenship, requiring the submission of a formal declaration.