Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has backed the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw and deactivate Nigerian passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship.
Chronicle NG reports that the directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately revoke and deactivate passports of persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been officially approved.
Reacting in a post on his X account on Saturday, Sani described the move as appropriate, noting that individuals who voluntarily give up their Nigerian citizenship should no longer retain access to the country’s official travel documents.
He said, “The withdrawal of the passports of those who renounced their Nigerian citizenship is the right thing to do. When people decide to change nationality, their choice should be respected—and fully enforced.”
Sani added, “Trump’s doctrine is clear: If you don’t like our country, go to where you prefer.”
The policy applies to Nigerians whose renunciation of citizenship has been duly approved in line with constitutional provisions, after which they are no longer recognised as citizens of the country.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the directive is intended to address a loophole that allowed former citizens to continue using Nigerian passports even after their renunciation had been formalised.
He noted that the directive forms part of broader reforms within the immigration and identity management system, aimed at preventing abuse of travel documents and strengthening border security.
“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,” Tunji-Ojo said.
