Interior Minister orders withdrawal of passports from renounced citizens

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced Nigerian citizenship but continue to hold the documents.

According to a statement issued by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, on 10 April 2026, the directive applies to all Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have been officially approved by the President.

Dr Tunji‑Ojo explained that the Ministry of Interior, charged with safeguarding the integrity of citizenship, derives its authority from Section 29 subsections (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The provisions state that any Nigerian of full age may renounce citizenship through a formal declaration, which, upon registration by the President, results in the cessation of citizenship.

He emphasised that once a person ceases to be a citizen, they are no longer entitled to carry sovereign documents of Nigeria, including the national passport.

The Minister noted that the move aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms undertaken by the Ministry in recent years. “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 unauthorised or ineligible access,” he said.