Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has expressed support for 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 issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, instructing the Nigeria Immigration Service to take immediate action against affected individuals whose renunciation requests have been officially approved.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Sani described the policy as a logical and necessary step, emphasizing that decisions regarding nationality should be fully respected and implemented.
“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 strictly to individuals who have completed the constitutional process of renouncing their Nigerian citizenship, after which they are no longer legally recognised as citizens of the country.
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, Tunji-Ojo stated that the move is aimed at ensuring that individuals who have ceased to be Nigerian citizens do not retain access to sovereign documents such as passports.
He further noted that the action forms part of ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s immigration and identity management systems, designed to curb misuse of official documents and strengthen border security.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian citizenship, stressing that only eligible individuals should have access to national identification and travel credentials.
