By Daniel Edu
The Nigerian passport has made a noteworthy advancement in the latest global passport ranking index, climbing nine places higher than its previous position. According to the Henley Passport Index for Q2 2023, Nigeria now occupies the 91st position out of 199 countries and 227 travel destinations analyzed.
This improvement is a positive development as it signifies increased global access for Nigerian passport holders. Despite the number of countries accessible without visas or with visa-on-arrival remaining at 46, the ranking boost indicates progress.
Notably, in June 2022, travelers holding Nigerian passports could only travel to 25 countries visa-free. However, this number has now increased to 45 destinations when considering visa-on-arrival or e-visa programs.
While the rise in ranking is a positive sign, it’s worth mentioning that the improvement might not solely result from enhanced performance of the Nigerian passport but could be due to other nations losing ground in their earlier rankings.
In comparison with other countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian passport still ranks as the least powerful. The Gambia leads the ECOWAS countries at the 72nd position, while Nigeria holds the 91st spot in the latest ranking.
Various factors contribute to a country’s passport ranking, such as reciprocity, economic and sociopolitical stability, and tourism. According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, changes in ranking can be influenced by these and other factors.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Anthony Akuneme, emphasized that forging more beneficial bilateral agreements with other countries could further open doors for Nigerian travelers.
Reciprocity plays a significant role, as countries that permit visa-free travel for Nigerian citizens might receive similar treatment in return.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Odeb, emphasized that addressing issues like drug-related crimes perpetrated by Nigerians abroad and bolstering the nation’s economy would be essential to improve its standing globally. By implementing stringent regulations and fostering a strong economy, Nigeria can enhance its global image and restore confidence in its citizens.
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