A recent analysis has revealed that the Nigerian passport will be ranked among the twenty least valuable in 2024. According to information from the Henley Passport Index, Nigeria is placed at number 92 out of 103 in their list. This analysis highlights the challenges Nigerian passport holders face when traveling internationally. Photo Credit: Morsa Images Source: Getty Images.
The Henley Passport Index is known for its comprehensive ranking of all passports worldwide. It rates them based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. Unfortunately, the Nigerian passport scores among the lowest 20 for 2024, a trend that has persisted for ten years. The data indicates that Nigeria’s passport allows visa-free access to only 45 countries out of 227. This is a stark contrast to many other countries and places Nigeria among the bottom-ranked nations for passport strength.
Since 2015, Nigeria has consistently maintained a low position in the passport ranking. The country’s passport performs poorly compared to its competitors in West Africa. Nigerian citizens often need to pay substantial amounts in Naira for visas to enter most cities around the world. This ranking reflects broader issues related to international mobility for Nigerians, impacting both leisure and business travel.
Several countries with severe internal conflicts or political instability rank lower than Nigeria on the Henley Passport Index. These include Somalia, Iran, Pakistan (which is engaged in ongoing conflict with Israel), and Sudan (which has been in a civil war since April 2023). This context emphasizes the difficulties and limited mobility faced by Nigerian passport holders in comparison to these conflict zones.
In contrast, Singapore has regained its position as the holder of the most powerful passport in the world, topping the Henley Passport Index. Singapore, with a population of 5.6 million, offers its citizens visa-free access to 195 out of 227 worldwide travel destinations. This achievement breaks previous records and underscores Singapore’s strong international relations and travel freedom.
Countries like France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, which once held the top rank for a considerable time, now share second place. Each of these countries offers their citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations. This high ranking reflects their robust international relations and strong global presence, facilitating ease of travel for their citizens.
For Nigerian passport holders, visa-free travel options remain limited. However, there are still some countries that Nigerians can visit without a visa. These countries include Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives (Visa on Arrival), Niger, and Togo. These destinations provide some relief for Nigerian travelers, although the options are limited compared to other countries.
In an effort to promote travel between South Africa and Nigeria, South Africa has introduced a ‘special provision’ visa. This initiative aims to foster business relations and travel between the two countries. The special provision visa is a five-year multiple-entry visa for business travelers, designed to make travel more accessible and encourage business exchanges.
The introduction of this visa was announced during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce July Breakfast Meeting 2024, sponsored by South African Airways. Bobby Moroe, the consul general of South Africa, revealed this to Nigerians on Thursday. He described the visa as a ‘special provision’ for business travelers, highlighting the importance of fostering strong business ties between South Africa and Nigeria.
This development is a positive step towards improving travel and business relations between the two countries. It aims to ease the process for business travelers, allowing for more frequent and flexible travel arrangements. This initiative is expected to benefit both nations, encouraging economic growth and collaboration.
The challenges faced by Nigerian passport holders underscore the need for improved international relations and visa agreements. Enhancing the strength of the Nigerian passport would significantly benefit its citizens, allowing for greater mobility and opportunities globally. This could be achieved through diplomatic efforts and negotiations to increase the number of countries offering visa-free access to Nigerians.
The Nigerian passport’s low ranking in the Henley Passport Index for 2024 highlights significant challenges for Nigerian travelers. With visa-free access to only 45 countries, Nigerians face considerable barriers to international mobility. However, initiatives like South Africa’s special provision visa offer some hope for improved travel opportunities. Efforts to enhance the strength of the Nigerian passport would greatly benefit its citizens, promoting better international relations and increasing travel freedom.
