Federal Government Directs Passport Withdrawal for Renounced Citizens
The Federal Government has issued a directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service, ordering the withdrawal or deactivation of passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship. This move, announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, specifically targets those whose renunciation requests have already received presidential approval.
Constitutional Basis for the Directive
According to a statement signed by the minister's media adviser, Alao Babatunde, the decision is firmly grounded in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, particularly Section 29. Minister Tunji-Ojo quoted the relevant provision: "(1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration... (2) The President shall cause the declaration... to be registered and upon such registration, the person... shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria." He emphasized that some individuals who have renounced their citizenship are still in possession of Nigerian passports, which is no longer legally permissible under this constitutional framework.
Implications for Sovereign Documents
Tunji-Ojo explained that once citizenship is renounced and approved, the individual loses the right to hold any Nigerian sovereign document. "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," he stated. This directive aims to ensure that only eligible citizens retain access to such documents, thereby preventing misuse and upholding the integrity of Nigerian citizenship.
Alignment with Security Reforms
The minister added that this measure aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms designed to strengthen border security and enhance identity management systems. "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," he said. This initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize immigration processes and safeguard national security.
By implementing this directive, the Federal Government seeks to enforce legal compliance, protect against identity-related crimes, and maintain the exclusivity of Nigerian citizenship rights. The Nigeria Immigration Service is expected to execute this order promptly, ensuring that passports are retrieved from those who have legally severed their ties with the country.
