The Nigerian passport faces significant challenges, as highlighted by its recent ranking among the lowest on the global stage for international mobility. According to the latest assessment by VisaGuide’s World Passport Index, the Nigerian passport occupies the 191st position out of 199 countries, placing it above nations such as North Korea (192), Iraq (193), Libya (194), Sudan (195), Pakistan (196), Afghanistan (197), Syria (198), and Somalia (199).
This ranking underscores concerns regarding Nigeria’s efforts to enhance mobility, despite initiatives such as e-visa programs. In contrast, the Singaporean passport leads the chart as the strongest globally, followed by passports from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.
The decline in the ranking of the Nigerian passport is attributed to various factors, including limited visa-free access, diplomatic relations, and security concerns. Other contributing factors include the availability of visa-free travel, electronic travel authorization, visa on arrival, e-visa options, embassy-approved visas, passport-free travel, and restricted entry.
Similarly, the Henley Passport Index, which evaluates the number of countries passport holders can enter without a visa, consistently places the Nigerian passport among the lowest-performing travel documents worldwide.
Given this persistent low ranking, it is imperative for Nigeria to address the underlying issues affecting the global standing of its passport. Enhancing diplomatic relations, improving security measures, and expanding visa-free access could contribute to elevating the country’s passport ranking in the future.
Top 20 Passports in the World:
- Singapore
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Austria
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Finland
- Japan
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Norway
- Czech Republic
- Portugal
- Poland