The Nigerian passport has shown improvement in the latest global passport ranking index, moving up nine places to reach the 91st position out of 199 countries and 227 travel destinations. Despite this progress, the Nigerian passport still grants visa-free access to only 46 countries, while visa-on-arrival or e-visa programs increase the number to 45 destinations.

This advancement in ranking may not be solely due to the strength of the Nigerian passport but could be a result of other nations losing ground in their previous rankings.

Among the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries, Nigeria’s passport remains the least powerful, with The Gambia taking the lead at the 72nd position in the latest ranking.

According to the CEO of Henley & Partners, factors influencing passport ranking include reciprocity, economic and sociopolitical stability, and tourism.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) suggested that more beneficial bilateral agreements with other countries could potentially increase access for Nigerians.

A former Nigerian Ambassador emphasized the importance of addressing drug-related crimes perpetrated by Nigerians abroad and improving the country’s economy to enhance its global standing. He believed that implementing regulations and strengthening moral values would contribute to a positive change in the country’s passport ranking.