Federal Government Mandates Passport Withdrawal for Renounced Citizens
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive for the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports held by individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship. This order was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service to enforce the measure promptly.
Constitutional Basis and Legal Framework
The directive is firmly rooted in Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines the legal process for renouncing citizenship. According to the constitution, any citizen of full age who wishes to renounce Nigerian citizenship must make a declaration in the prescribed manner. Upon registration of this declaration by the President, the individual ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that once citizenship is formally relinquished, all associated rights and privileges are automatically forfeited. This includes access to national identity documents and travel documents like passports. He stated that retaining a Nigerian passport after renunciation is no longer acceptable under existing laws, describing citizenship as the foundational element of sovereign identity.
Rationale and Broader Reforms
The decision aims to protect the credibility of Nigeria's citizenship system and prevent the misuse of official travel documents. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that this move is part of wider reforms designed to strengthen identity management and border control mechanisms. He affirmed the government's commitment to securing Nigeria's borders, preventing identity fraud, preserving the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitating legitimate travel.
Authorities clarified that the order applies strictly to individuals whose renunciation has been duly approved by the President, in accordance with constitutional provisions. Affected individuals lose all citizenship rights, including the legal right to hold any Nigerian sovereign document.
Implementation and Compliance Measures
Although no specific timeline was provided, the Nigeria Immigration Service is expected to begin compliance checks and deactivate affected passports in its system. The government has directed the NIS to enforce the measure without delay, ensuring that all passports held by renounced citizens are withdrawn and rendered invalid.
This enforcement stance signals a firmer approach by authorities regarding documentation and nationality status, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security and administrative integrity.
