Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy mandating the withdrawal of Nigerian passports from citizens who formally renounce their nationality, in what authorities describe as a move to strengthen national identity management and legal compliance.
Under the directive, individuals who voluntarily give up their Nigerian citizenship will be required to surrender their international passports to the appropriate authorities. The policy aligns with existing legal provisions which state that a Nigerian passport remains the property of the government and is only valid for use by recognized citizens.
Officials say the decision is aimed at preventing misuse of national travel documents, particularly in cases where former citizens may attempt to retain dual benefits or engage in activities that could compromise Nigeria’s diplomatic standing. The move also seeks to tighten immigration controls and ensure that records accurately reflect current citizenship status.
Legal experts note that the policy reinforces provisions within the Nigerian Constitution regarding citizenship renunciation, which requires formal declaration and government acknowledgment before it becomes effective. Once approved, affected individuals are no longer entitled to rights and privileges reserved for citizens, including holding a Nigerian passport.
The directive is expected to be implemented through the Nigeria Immigration Service, which will oversee compliance and enforce the surrender process. Authorities have indicated that further guidelines will be issued to clarify procedures for affected individuals, including timelines and documentation requirements.
While the policy has been framed as an administrative necessity, it may spark debate among Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those navigating dual citizenship arrangements or considering a change in nationality. Government officials, however, maintain that the measure is consistent with global best practices and necessary for safeguarding national integrity.
