Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has commended the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw and deactivate Nigerian passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their citizenship.
His reaction follows a directive by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, instructing the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports of persons whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been officially approved.
Sani, in a statement shared via his official X account on Saturday, described the move as appropriate, stating that individuals who choose to change their nationality should have that decision fully respected and enforced.
“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 it should be enforced completely. Trump’s doctrine is clear: If you don’t like our country, go to where you like,” he added.
The policy applies to Nigerians whose renunciation of citizenship has been formally approved in accordance with constitutional provisions, after which they are no longer recognised as citizens.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the directive is intended to ensure that individuals who have ceased to be Nigerian citizens no longer retain access to sovereign documents, including passports.
He explained that the measure forms part of broader reforms within the immigration and identity management system aimed at preventing misuse of travel documents and strengthening border security.
The minister added that the Federal Government will continue to enhance systems to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s citizenship framework and ensure that only eligible individuals retain access to national identification and travel documents.
