The Nigerian passport has been ranked as one of the least powerful globally in the latest Henley Passport Index, which evaluates the strength of passports based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to destinations.
Nigeria currently sits at 183rd out of 200 countries, granting its citizens access to only 45 destinations without the need for a visa. This marks a significant disadvantage for Nigerians in terms of international mobility, impacting opportunities for business, education, and tourism.
In comparison, passports from countries like Singapore and Japan top the index, offering their citizens visa-free access to nearly 200 destinations.
Former Nigerian ambassadors have expressed concern over the ranking, attributing the country’s poor standing to diplomatic challenges and internal governance issues. They emphasize the need for Nigeria to strengthen its international relationships, improve governance, and stabilize its economy to enhance the global perception of its passport.
This development highlights the urgent need for reforms to boost Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts and improve its citizens’ travel opportunities, with experts calling for a strategic approach to enhance the nation’s global standing.
The Henley Passport Index is widely regarded as a key indicator of a country’s global mobility power, and Nigeria’s low ranking underscores the challenges its citizens face in navigating the international landscape.
