The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw or deactivate the passports of individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who stated that some individuals who have completed the renunciation process still retain Nigerian passports.

“This directive applies to Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have formally been approved by the President,” he said.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Alao Babatunde, the minister explained that the action is backed by Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the legal process for renouncing citizenship.

He noted that once a person’s renunciation is registered and approved, such an individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen and is no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document, including a Nigerian passport.

Tunji-Ojo added that the move is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening identity management, securing Nigeria’s borders, and preventing misuse of official documents.

“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.