Nigeria Withdraws Diplomatic Passports From Unauthorized Former Officials

Nigeria’s army of former diplomatic and official passport holders on Monday found the documents to be worthless pieces of paper, the federal government announcing they have been revoked.

Those affected by the order include former governors, legislators, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Special Assistants, Chairmen/Deputy Chairmen of Local Governments, Heads of parastatals, and civil servants.

A statement issued by the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, MK Abeshi, said the revocation followed a previous directive, and that the documents are to be returned to the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja immediately.

“Failure to comply with this directive will amount to an offence under the Immigration Act 2015,” he said, warning that further unauthorized possession will be impounded at Nigeria’s border control posts on arrival or departure.