JAPA SYNDROME

The thought of fleeing the country and renouncing our Nigerian Citizenship is one that is often harboured by Nigerians and although it is not encouraged, the Nigerian Constitution provides for the basic knowledge for which the Nigerian Citizenship can be renounced.
In Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the basic knowledge is provided and it applies to every category of citizenship in Nigeria (e.g By Birth, Naturalization, Registration, Dual).

The procedure is quite simple according to the Constitutional provision: any citizen of (18 years of age and above) who desires to renounce his Nigerian Citizen can make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.

(A married woman is deemed to be of full age despite not having attained the age of 18)

The prescribed manner begins with locating and visiting the appropriate authority (The Ministry of Interior, Nigerian Immigration service, Nigerian Embassy as the case may be) in the country where you reside. This governmental agency is expected to guide you on the step by step procedure for renouncing your citizenship.

However, renouncing your citizenship is still subject to the Presidential power as it is expected that the declaration be registered with him, and he withholds the power to withhold such registration where it is made during any war in which Nigeria is actively involved in; where in his( the President ) opinion it is contrary to public policy.
Renunciation of Citizenship, although pleasing to the mind is sensitive. It is neither encouraged nor advised.

DEPRIVATION OF CITIZENSHIP

Nigerians are fond of making certain remarks and actions that although seem to cause no harm can result in the deprivation of their citizenship.

The Nigerian Constitution in its Section 30 of the Constitution provides for the deprivation of citizenship. The president of the country has the power to deprive a person of their citizenship, however this provision only applies to individuals who are not Nigerian citizens by birth.

Where a person has been naturalized as a citizen of Nigeria and within 7 years he is imprisoned for a term of not less than 3 years, the President may deprive such a person of their Nigerian Citizenship.

Offences which would bring about imprisonment of more than 3 years includes: murder, manslaughter, rape among others.

Furthermore, a person will be deprived of their citizenship if the president is satisfied that such an individual has been disloyal to the country by words or actions; has unlawfully associated with the enemy in a war situation to the detriment of the country.

Thank you for engaging our blog post once again.

With this, we have come to the end of our series on Citizenship. We trust you have learnt a thing or two

Until next time!

-Knowledge Tent