The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a directive requiring the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately retrieve and deactivate passports held by Nigerians who have formally renounced their citizenship. The order applies exclusively to individuals whose renunciation declarations have been registered and approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Constitutional Foundation for the Directive
Tunji-Ojo stated that the Ministry's authority to enforce this measure stems directly from subsections (1) and (2) of Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The constitutional provision establishes that any citizen of full age may submit a declaration to renounce Nigerian citizenship in the prescribed manner. Upon registration of such declaration by the President, that individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen. The minister emphasized that once citizenship lapses, the affected person can no longer legitimately hold sovereign Nigerian documents, including passports.
Reinforcing Border Security Reforms
The minister framed the directive as part of broader passport and visa reforms his ministry has pursued in recent years. Tunji-Ojo said the government will continue strengthening systems that secure Nigeria's borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the integrity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while blocking unauthorized access by ineligible holders.
UK Migration Partnership Context
The passport revocation policy arrives roughly a month after Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed bilateral agreements covering migration partnership, organized immigration crime, and border security. Those accords were finalized during President Tinubu's state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026. Tunji-Ojo described the agreements as reflecting Nigeria's commitment to a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial. He noted the MoUs are also designed to enhance trade and ease business mobility, supporting the administration's broader economic objectives.
The minister's directive signals continued tightening of citizenship documentation procedures as Nigeria implements its recent international commitments on border governance and identity integrity.