The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said the measure applies only to persons whose renunciation requests have been duly approved by the President in line with constitutional provisions.

According to the minister, once a renunciation is registered as required under Section 29(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the individual ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria and is no longer entitled to retain sovereign national documents, including a Nigerian passport.

He explained that the move is part of efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship framework and ensure that official travel documents are held only by eligible persons.

Tunji-Ojo also said the directive aligns with ongoing reforms in the country’s passport and visa administration systems aimed at strengthening border security and preventing identity-related fraud.

“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 said.

The government said the action forms part of broader institutional measures to improve documentation control and reinforce compliance with Nigeria’s citizenship laws.