Nigeria’s decision aims to protect its sovereignty, but it may push the diaspora further away, writes TOYE FALEYE.
The Order That Shocked the Diaspora
On April 11, 2026, Nigeria’s Federal Government announced that any Nigerian who officially gives up their citizenship will have their passport taken away or deactivated.
The President approved the order, which was shared by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. It is based on Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution.
That section gives adult Nigerians the right to give up their citizenship. But once this is approved, they must give up all the benefits of being a citizen, including their passport.
This is not just a paperwork change. Taking away the green passport shows it is part of national identity, not just a travel document, and sets a clear boundary for those cutting ties.
Sovereignty Protected, Citizens Disconnected
For the government, this rule is meant to set clear legal boundaries on who is a citizen and make sure only recognized citizens have Nigerian passports.
It also aims to close security and legal gaps by clarifying who gets state protection and travel rights.
It closes loopholes that could be used for fraud, holding two allegiances, or illegal travel. It also helps Nigeria’s reputation in international systems where passports are closely checked as national property.
But for citizens, the effects are serious. Giving up citizenship now means losing all ties at once: no more help from Nigerian embassies, no more visa-free travel as a Nigerian, and no more rights in the homeland. This makes people think carefully before choosing a new nationality, since the decision is now more serious and final.
A Double-Edged Sword for the Nation
For Nigeria, this policy cuts both ways. On one hand, it brings stronger security and a clear statement of sovereignty.
On the other hand, it risks shutting out the diaspora, whose money and cultural influence are important for Nigeria’s economy and reputation around the world.
Unlike India, which offers the Overseas Citizen of India card, or Canada, which gives former citizens a way to stay, Nigeria does not offer any special status. The message is clear: if you give up citizenship, you are out.
This could hurt connections with millions of Nigerians living abroad. Even after taking on new nationalities, they still send billions of dollars home each year and represent Nigeria’s culture worldwide.
How Other Countries Handle This
Nigeria’s decision is similar to what other countries do. In the United States, passports are canceled right away when someone gives up citizenship. In the United Kingdom, passports are also taken back, and the government can remove citizenship for security reasons.
Canada cancels passports after someone gives up citizenship, but lets former citizens apply for permanent residency. India does not allow dual citizenship, so former citizens must give up their passports, but they can get an OCI card to keep some connection.
Nigeria’s approach is similar to others but stricter. There is no special status or easier path for people who give up their citizenship.
Requiring the President’s approval adds political oversight, making the process slower and more rigid than in many other countries.
How Nigeria Could Change Its Approach
The story does not end with strict enforcement. Nigeria could decide to make this policy less harsh.
There are options: Nigeria could create a ‘Former Nigerian Citizen Card’ for long-term visas and property rights, make it easier for returnees to get residency, offer diaspora bonds to support development, or even rethink dual citizenship laws so fewer people need to renounce their citizenship.
Each choice has pros and cons. A special status card would help keep cultural ties but might make citizenship rules less clear. Easier residency could bring people back, but would need new rules.
Diaspora bonds could boost the economy, but risk misuse. Consular privileges would build goodwill but add costs. Yet together, these measures sketch a vision of a Nigeria that enforces sovereignty without severing its lifeline to the diaspora.
Looking Forward
The directive follows the constitution and is needed. But as countries compete for the loyalty and wealth of their diaspora, Nigeria must choose whether to shut the door or keep some ties. Passports can be taken away, but connections of identity, culture, and economy remain.
This is about more than just passports. It is about how Nigeria will relate to millions of its people living around the world in the future.
Giving up citizenship is a personal choice, but it has big effects for the whole country. Nigeria needs to find a balance—protect its sovereignty without losing its important link to the diaspora. How it handles this will shape its future.
