In a bid to restore Nigeria’s global reputation and improve the standing of the Nigerian passport, the Senate has advanced a bill proposing that Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad be denied access to international passports for at least 10 years.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, introducing strict penalties aimed at deterring criminal activities by Nigerians overseas.
Green Passport Under Threat Due to Criminality, Senate Warns
Leading the debate on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi, speaking on behalf of the sponsor, stressed the urgency of the bill. He described it as “imperative and compelling,” arguing that the international embarrassment caused by a minority of Nigerians must be addressed with strong legislative action.
“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in airports, visa denials, and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few,” Ogwoshi said. “The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.”
Key Provisions of the Passport Ban Bill
According to the proposed law:
- Any Nigerian convicted of a criminal offence in a foreign country will have their international passport withdrawn for a minimum of 10 years after completing their sentence.
- The Nigerian Immigration Service will be mandated to enforce the passport ban upon receipt of verified conviction records from foreign jurisdictions.
- The aim is to deter criminal behavior, punish offenders, and signal Nigeria’s commitment to global accountability standards.
Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that the measure is essential to protect law-abiding Nigerians from international stigma and restore credibility to Nigeria’s travel documents.
