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The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to Nigerians who have formally renounced their citizenship. 
The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said the policy applies strictly to individuals whose renunciation has been officially approved by the President in line with constitutional provisions. 
According to the government, the move is based on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that once a person renounces Nigerian citizenship and it is registered, they cease to be a citizen. As a result, such individuals are no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document of the country, including a Nigerian passport. 
Officials explained that the decision is aimed at closing loopholes that previously allowed some former citizens to continue using Nigerian passports even after renouncing their nationality. The policy is also part of broader reforms to protect identity integrity, prevent fraud, and strengthen border security. 
In essence, the government is reinforcing a simple principle: once citizenship is relinquished, all rights and privileges tied to it—including travel documents—are automatically lost. 
