FG Orders Deactivation Of Passports After Citizenship Renunciation
FG Tightens Rules on Citizenship Documentation
THE Federal Government has directed the immediate withdrawal and deactivation of Nigerian passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship, in a new policy aimed at tightening national identity management.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enforce the order without delay. According to the ministry, the move applies strictly to persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been duly approved by the President in line with constitutional provisions.
Officials say the policy is intended to close gaps that previously allowed individuals who had ceased to be Nigerian citizens to continue using Nigerian passports for international travel.
Legal Basis and Enforcement Framework
The government anchored its decision on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the legal process for voluntary renunciation of citizenship. Once the process is completed and formally registered by the President, such individuals automatically cease to be citizens of Nigeria.
Authorities argue that since the passport is a sovereign document tied directly to citizenship, its use by non-citizens constitutes a breach of identity regulations.
The NIS is expected to begin compliance checks and deactivate affected passports within its database, although the government has not disclosed the exact number of persons who may be impacted or the timeline for full implementation.
Reform Push on Identity and Border Security
The Interior Ministry said the directive forms part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s passport system, preventing identity fraud, and improving border security.
Officials stressed that the government is working to ensure that only eligible citizens have access to Nigerian travel documents, describing the policy as essential to preserving the integrity of national identity systems.
While dual citizenship remains permitted under Nigerian law, individuals who formally renounce their nationality are required to surrender all rights and privileges attached to citizenship, including access to passports and national identification systems.
Implementation Questions Remain
Despite the announcement, key operational details remain unclear, including how authorities will track affected individuals and coordinate enforcement across local and international passport offices.
Nevertheless, the government insists the reform is necessary to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s identity systems and align documentation practices with constitutional provisions.
