The Nigerian passport has taken the 92nd spot in the global ranking, according to the Henley Passport Index, which assesses the number of destinations that can be visited without a prior visa. This marks the 10th consecutive year that Nigeria has maintained its low ranking.
The index, which uses International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics and open-source data, reveals that Nigerian citizens can travel visa-free to only 45 countries out of 227 worldwide destinations. This is despite the country’s growing economy and increasing importance on the global stage.
Singapore has regained its position as the most powerful passport in the world, with its citizens having visa-free access to an impressive 195 destinations. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain share second place with 192 visa-free destinations.
Nigerians can travel to a limited number of countries visa-free, including Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives (Visa on Arrival), Niger, and Togo. The country’s poor ranking is attributed to various factors, including security concerns and political instability in some regions.
In a move to foster travel between Nigeria and South Africa, the latter has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to migrants commuting for business . The “special provision” was announced by Bobby Moroe, Consul General of South Africa, during a recent meeting with Nigerian business leaders. This move aims to promote trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The news comes as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government to address the country’s poor ranking and improve its international standing. As the country continues to work towards economic growth and development, it is essential to prioritize passport reform to enhance the mobility of its citizens and boost tourism and trade.
This is terrible indeed ….just 45 countries ? A whole supposed giant of Africa we hv lost it