Federal Government Mandates Passport Withdrawal for Renounced Citizens
The Federal Government has issued a directive ordering the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately revoke and deactivate the international passports of individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship. This significant policy shift was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a briefing in Abuja over the weekend, emphasizing the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of national sovereignty.
Constitutional Basis for the Directive
Dr. Tunji-Ojo clarified that the measure specifically targets individuals whose requests for renunciation have received presidential approval, as stipulated under Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He explained that once a person legally ceases to be a Nigerian citizen, they are prohibited from holding or using the country's travel documents, which are considered sovereign property. "Once a person ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria, he can no longer carry any sovereign document of Nigeria, including the nation's passport," the Minister stated, reinforcing the legal foundation of the action.
Implementation and Security Implications
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Babatunde Alao, the minister highlighted that this crackdown is a key component of broader passport and visa reforms aimed at tightening national security and verifying the eligibility of document holders. The directive is expected to trigger a systematic audit of the NIS database to ensure that passports belonging to former citizens are electronically deactivated, preventing their use at border control points globally. This move is designed to prevent identity fraud and unauthorized access, thereby safeguarding Nigeria's borders.
Broader Context of Government Reforms
Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria's borders, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel. He added, "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 or ineligible access." This directive underscores the government's proactive approach to enhancing immigration controls and protecting national interests in an increasingly globalized world.
