FG Targets Passports Of Former Citizens
The Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of Nigerian passports from individuals who have officially renounced their citizenship.
The directive was issued by Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, who instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service to enforce the measure immediately.
It applies only to those whose renunciation has been formally approved and registered.
According to the minister, once a person completes the legal process of renouncing citizenship, they lose all rights tied to being Nigerian, including holding a national passport.
He said the move is backed by provisions of the 1999 Constitution governing citizenship status.
The government explained that the decision is aimed at closing gaps that previously allowed some former citizens to retain and use Nigerian passports despite giving up their nationality.
Officials say this created risks around identity management and document misuse.
Authorities also linked the directive to broader reforms in the immigration system, including improved data verification and tighter control over travel documents.
The goal, they said, is to strengthen national security and maintain the credibility of Nigeria’s passport system.
