₦airaland Forum

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has commended the Federal Government’s move to withdraw and deactivate Nigerian passports belonging to persons who have formally renounced their citizenship.

His reaction follows a directive by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordering the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports of individuals whose renunciation of Nigerian citizenship has been officially approved.

Sani, in a statement via his official X account on Saturday, said the move was appropriate, noting that once individuals choose to change nationality, their decision should be respected and properly 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 affects Nigerians whose renunciation of citizenship has been formally approved in line with constitutional procedures, after which they cease to be recognised as citizens.

Tunji-Ojo said the directive is aimed at ensuring that persons who have ceased to be citizens no longer retain access to Nigerian sovereign documents, including passports.

The minister explained that the measure is part of ongoing reforms in the immigration and identity management system designed to prevent misuse of travel documents and strengthen border security.

He added that the government will continue to tighten systems to safeguard Nigeria’s citizenship integrity and ensure only eligible persons retain access to national documents.

https://punchng.com/shehu-sani-backs-passport-withdrawal-from-citizenship-renouncers/

Cc Seun Lalasticlala mynd444

This directive doesn’t address the issue.

The concern from those renouncing their Nigerian citizenship is not about whether passport is withdrawn or not. That part is expected. No issue there.

The core issue they’re complaining about is that they’re being charged millions of naira to renounce their citizenship. One X user alleged they were asked to pay N5 million for each member of his family, while Grok said it’s officially N2 million for each person. But we know Nigeria when it comes to official vs insider cost, else nobody will attend to your case if you don’t pay more.

They need the official renunciation documents to complete their citizenship process for their country, but they’re stuck because they first have to pay millions.

This directive doesn’t solve the problem, but of course it’s meant for Tinubu supporters for praise singing regardless of whether they understand it or not.

directive by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reinforces accountability, strengthens national security, and protects the integrity of Nigeria’s sovereign documents

This is definitely an appropriate and well needed move. You shouldn't have business with out identity if you don't want to be part of us.

Deactivating your passport means it's no more useful for you anymore and you are erasing your Ruth

Thumbs up

This is a case of you can't eat your cake and have it. While individual chooses are respected it is necessary to deactivate the passport.

They should leave with their full chest and drop the Nigerian passport.

If you denounce to be a part of Nigeria, you have no right to still carry their identity. You can not eat your cake and have it

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s move is the right thing to do. A National Passport is a serious document and only bonafide citizens should possess them.

You can’t renounce citizenship and still hold onto the benefits. The move is tough but reasonable.

I hope they can extend the enforcement to include those that renounce their citizenship on social media too 😅

If you want to denounce your citizenship, do it, and stand by it.

A very sane person will commend what the federal government has done. I totally agree with this kind of change.

A bold and necessary step. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo continues to demonstrate commitment to strengthening national identity systems, and it’s encouraging to see voices like Shehu Sani supporting policies that promote accountability and proper documentation. Measures like this can help reinforce the integrity of citizenship processes when implemented fairly and transparently.

This is leadership with clarity and courage. Shehu Sani understands that policies like this protect the value of Nigerian citizenship. Full support to Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for taking decisive action.

The withdrawal totally makes sense and is long overdue, bold step from the minister I must say. If you ain’t proud of being a Nigerian, why hold the passport??

The decision of the Federal government to retrieve the Nigerian passports from non Nigerians is a welcome initiative. The minister of interior is on the right path.

This step by the minster of interior is a very daring one, I love it. If anyone is bold enough to renounce their citizenship, such person should be bold enough to drop their passport. Way to go!

That is the right thing to do, I hope there will be no need for them to identify as a Nigerian in the future

Hon. Minister has taken a great move by withdrawing and deactivate passports of Nigerians who have renounced their citizenship but still carry the documents.

If you dont want to be a Nigerian, you will as well have you passport withdrawn

If you denounce to be a part of our country Nigeria, you have no privilege to still carry their identity. Is either you choose one and leave other.

It is encouraging to see support for policies that promote order and clarity in identity management. With consistent enforcement and proper safeguards, this can further strengthen Nigeria’s global standing.

If a man can change his name to Mohammed Ali from Calcium Clay, them I guess Nigerians who no longer want to be Nigerians also have the right time do same and nine should frown when they lose the fundamental rights the rest of us are enjoying

Sometimes i winder how people feel comfortable defacing and denigrating Nigeria which is the country of their origin.

This might affect some of Obis supporters who have been asking for all sorts of badluck for Nigeria because Obi lost 2023 elections. They prefer the military Burkina Faso Traore. They better do it before 2027 elections so that they don't take part to support PO.

I think it is wrong, renouncing citizenship shouldn't mean their offspring be denied rights that makes them citizens. Rather we should focus on making the country better.

lets first not consider the fulani invaders as nigerians

Nobody needs his backing on such statements. its left for the law or courts to conclude that.