The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports held by persons who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship. The statement quoted the constitutional provision as stating: “(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. He also described the move as consistent with ongoing passport and visa reforms undertaken by the ministry in recent years. He said the latest directive was aimed at closing a gap that allowed former citizens to continue travelling on Nigerian passports after their renunciation had been officially recognised. “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,” Tunji-Ojo said.

Source: Punch April 11, 2026 07:14 UTC