By Maryanne Awuya
In a move to strengthen national identity management, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has directed the NIS to recall passports from those who have legally given up their Nigerian nationality.
The Minister emphasized that once the President approves a renunciation request, the individual is no longer entitled to hold a Nigerian passport.
“Once a declaration of renunciation is registered, the individual ceases to be a Nigerian citizen and is no longer entitled to hold any sovereign document,” Tunji-Ojo said.
This directive aligns with Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution and serves as a key component of ongoing reforms aimed at refining Nigeria’s border control systems.
“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 unauthorised or ineligible access,” he said.
The government said the measure is also aimed at preventing misuse of Nigerian travel documents by persons no longer legally recognised as citizens.
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