Ministry Clarifies: Nationality Renunciation Fee Stays at N2m

The Ministry of Interior has firmly dismissed social media reports claiming the fee for renouncing Nigerian nationality jumped from N2 million to N5 million per person. Spokesperson Bolaji Kazeem stated the official charge remains N2 million, countering a medical doctor’s online post that sparked widespread outrage and debate. This clarification comes days after the doctor’s video went viral, alleging immigration officials quoted the higher N5 million figure during an inquiry.

The controversy erupted when a UK-based Nigerian doctor shared his experience, claiming the renunciation process now costs N5 million—up from what he described as a prior N50,000 fee. Social media users quickly amplified the story, questioning government motives amid Nigeria’s economic challenges and rising emigration trends. Kazeem’s response, shared across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, emphasized no recent hike occurred, urging citizens to verify information from official channels.

Nigeria’s citizenship renunciation process falls under the Federal Ministry of Interior, with fees revised periodically to cover administrative costs. Earlier 2025 updates set some immigration services at multi-million naira levels, including citizenship-related applications, though specifics for renunciation were listed variably in legal alerts. Historical consular data from outlets like the Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta referenced much lower fees around N20,000-N50,000 before broader hikes, highlighting how revisions have fueled public sensitivity. The ministry’s N2 million confirmation aligns with these adjustments but debunks the N5 million rumor.

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Public Reaction and Implications

Online reactions range from skepticism about affordability—”It costs millions to leave Nigeria?”—to demands for transparency in fee schedules. This episode underscores growing tensions over immigration costs, echoing a 2025 lawsuit challenging passport fee increases as barriers to Nigerians’ freedom of movement. As diaspora Nigerians pursue dual citizenship or relocation, clearer communication from authorities could prevent misinformation spirals.