The federal government has instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to collect passports from individuals who have officially given up their Nigerian citizenship.
The directive was issued by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a statement released through his media aide, Alao Babatunde.
According to the minister, the order applies strictly to persons whose requests to renounce their citizenship have been approved by the president. He explained that once such approval is granted, the individuals cease to qualify as Nigerian citizens and, therefore, cannot retain Nigerian passports.
Tunji-Ojo referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution to support the decision.
“(1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation,” the statement reads.
“(2) The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria.”
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He emphasized that individuals who are no longer citizens are not permitted to hold national identification documents issued by the government.
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The minister added that the move is part of broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship system. He noted that it aligns with ongoing reforms in passport issuance and visa processes.
“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 added.
