Nigeria to Withdraw Passports from Citizens Who Renounce Nationality

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports held by individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship.

According to a statement issued on April 10, 2026, the directive specifically targets persons whose renunciation requests have been duly approved by the President, in line with constitutional provisions.

The Minister explained that the move is backed by Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines the legal process for renouncing citizenship. Under the law, any Nigerian of full age may declare their intention to renounce citizenship, and upon registration of that declaration by the President, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that once citizenship is relinquished, such individuals are no longer entitled to hold any Nigerian sovereign document, including passports.

He further noted that the directive aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Interior, aimed at strengthening national security and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s identity system.

“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,” the Minister stated.