The Digest:
The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have officially renounced their Nigerian citizenship. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the move applies strictly to persons whose renunciation has been formally approved by the President, citing Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution. He noted that once a person ceases to be a citizen, they are no longer entitled to possess any sovereign document, including the Nigerian passport.
Key Points:
- The directive aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms initiated by the ministry.
- The government aims to prevent identity fraud and preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship.
- Renunciation requests must be formally approved by the President.
- The NIS has been ordered to immediately withdraw and deactivate affected passports.
- The move seeks to strengthen border security and prevent unauthorised access
