- The proposal would withdraw the international passport of any Nigerian convicted
- Nigerians face harassment at international airports
- Efforts to restore respect for the Nigerian passport
The Senate has moved to impose a 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted and deported from foreign countries for criminal activities, following the second reading of a bill to amend the Passport Miscellaneous Provisions Act, sponsored by Senator Bello Sani Abubakar.
Eko Hot Blog reports that, presenting the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo said the amendment aims to protect and redeem Nigeria’s image abroad. He explained that the proposal would withdraw the international passport of any Nigerian convicted of crimes overseas for 10 years.
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Onawo said the measure would discourage Nigerians from engaging in criminal acts while also restoring global confidence in the Nigerian identity. He stressed that criminal activities abroad have tarnished the country’s reputation, making it difficult for innocent Nigerians to secure visas or travel freely.
He noted that crimes by Nigerians in countries like China, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Germany have led to stricter visa policies against Nigerians. He added that these acts have caused diplomatic embarrassment and hardship for law-abiding citizens.
The senator stated that many Nigerians face harassment at international airports due to the negative reputation associated with the green passport. He urged lawmakers to act decisively to rebuild the nation’s global image.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the bill, describing it as a bold and necessary step to preserve the dignity of Nigerians. He recalled a robbery incident in Dubai where criminals used Nigerian passports, only to be later identified as non-Nigerians.
Akpabio said the bill would strengthen passport issuance procedures and ensure offenders face consequences both abroad and at home. He added that any Nigerian who tarnishes the nation’s image should lose the right to hold a passport for at least 10 years.
The Senate referred the bill to the Committee on Interior for further legislative work and a public hearing. If passed, Nigeria will become one of the few African countries to legally sanction citizens convicted abroad, as part of efforts to restore respect for the Nigerian passport.
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