Connect with us

latest

Nigeria Passport Slips to 96th on 2025 Henley Index, Access Falls to 44 Countries

Published

on

Nigeria passport has dropped to the 96th position on the 2025 Henley Passport Index, making it one of the world’s least powerful travel documents. Holders of Nigerian passports can now visit only 44 destinations without a visa, down from 45 in 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The latest ranking, released this week by global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, measures the travel freedom of passports worldwide. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and considers the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa.

The new report places Nigeria near the bottom of the global list, alongside countries such as South Sudan, Libya, and North Korea. The 2025 position marks a slight decline from last year, reflecting limited progress in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to expand visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements.

Regional and Global Comparison

Within Africa, Nigeria ranks lower than several neighboring countries. Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa maintain the continent’s most powerful passports, with access to more than 100 destinations each. Ghana and Kenya also outperform Nigeria in the rankings, offering their citizens wider travel freedom.

Globally, Singapore and Japan continue to dominate the top of the index, allowing their passport holders to visit over 190 destinations visa-free. At the bottom of the list are Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, whose citizens can enter fewer than 35 destinations without a visa.

Analysts Cite Diplomatic and Security Challenges

Experts say Nigeria’s weak ranking highlights the country’s ongoing diplomatic and security challenges.
“Visa-free agreements depend on trust between nations,” said travel analyst Emmanuel Okeke. “Concerns about migration, border security, and document verification have made some countries cautious about expanding access to Nigerian passport holders.”

The Henley Index uses a straightforward methodology: each passport earns one point for every destination that can be entered without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or through electronic travel authorization. The total score determines the global ranking.

Impact on Travelers

The lower ranking means Nigerian travelers continue to face strict visa requirements for most destinations, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
“Getting a visa for business or tourism is still a major challenge,” said Lagos-based tour operator Amina Bello. “Many clients cancel travel plans because of long processing times or expensive fees.”

The restrictions also affect students and professionals seeking international opportunities. Travel experts say delays and high costs can discourage Nigerians from pursuing education or business abroad.

Government Response and Outlook

Officials at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have acknowledged the report but say the government is working to improve international mobility for citizens.
“The ministry is in active discussions with several countries to expand visa-free access,” a senior official said Wednesday. “Our goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships and restore confidence in our travel documents.”

Analysts suggest that improving the passport’s ranking will require stronger diplomatic engagement, better border management, and international cooperation on security and migration. Upgrading passport technology and reducing corruption in the issuance process could also build trust with foreign governments.

Broader Context

The Henley Passport Index, published quarterly, is widely regarded as the most authoritative measure of global travel freedom. It highlights growing inequality in mobility, as citizens of wealthier nations enjoy far greater access to international destinations than those from developing countries.

For now, Nigeria’s decline on the 2025 index underscores the challenges facing Africa’s largest economy as it seeks to expand its global influence. Unless new visa agreements are signed, millions of Nigerians may continue to face travel barriers that limit trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

At present, only 44 destinations worldwide allow entry to Nigerians without a prior visa — a reminder of how passport strength remains a key measure of global mobility and diplomatic reach.

latest

Breaking: FG Sets Fresh Deadline For Release Of WAEC, NECO Results.

Published

on

The Federal Government has proposed a new examination timetable aimed at ensuring that candidates who sit for the 2027 West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and other major external examinations receive their results by August 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The initiative is intended to ensure that students obtain their results before the September admission process into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education begins.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, disclosed the plan during a meeting with heads and representatives of examination bodies at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement released on Wednesday night by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government wants examination bodies to collaborate in meeting the proposed deadlines.

“The meeting focused on harmonising examination schedules, preventing clashes among major examinations and ensuring that results are processed and released within agreed timelines,” the statement said.

Under the proposed timetable, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is expected to conduct the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) between March 15 and March 25.

Candidates who sit for the UTME are expected to receive their results in March, enabling them to proceed to the next stages of the tertiary admission process.

The NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is scheduled to hold from April 1 to May 14, 2027.

Meanwhile, the WAEC West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is expected to commence on May 11 and end on June 18.

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination is scheduled to take place between June 1 and July 5, 2027.

Similarly, the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination is expected to run from June 10 to July 9.

Results for the NABTEB and NBAIS examinations are also expected to be released in August, in line with the government’s proposed timeline.

The Federal Government’s plan is designed to harmonise the examination calendar and ensure that students have access to their results in good time for the 2027 tertiary institution admission process.

Continue Reading

latest

2027, ‘We Are More Prepared’ – APC Boasts Of Victory, Takes Aim At Atiku And Peter Obi.

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it is better prepared than opposition parties for the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ruling party accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), of focusing more on criticising President Bola Tinubu than presenting their own plans for Nigerians.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

Morka spoke shortly after the ruling party inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, stating that the APC had begun putting its campaign plans and structures in place ahead of the elections.

He maintained that the party was taking the 2027 contest seriously and would leave nothing to chance.

According to him, the APC’s performance in bye-elections and other polls conducted since the 2023 general elections demonstrated the effectiveness of its political structures and preparation.

“Virtually all elections that has been called, bye-elections, whatever election, since the last general elections, we’ve won fantastically. There is a reason for that. It is because we prepare, we do not take anything or leave anything to chance,” Morka said.

He explained that the party was finalising its campaign strategies and preparing for a large-scale mobilisation exercise ahead of the polls.

“We prepare, we do our homework, we put together our systems and we trigger massive campaigns, which is what we are about to do,” he stated.

The APC spokesman also dismissed suggestions that the party’s early preparations were a sign of desperation, arguing that planning ahead was a normal responsibility for any serious political organisation.

Morka subsequently criticised Atiku and Obi, accusing them of concentrating on what they believe Tinubu has failed to accomplish rather than explaining what they would do differently if elected.

“So, look, I don’t think it’s a sign of desperation to prepare. As a matter of fact, I think we are more preparing than the people in the opposition,” he said.

He added, “The Atikus, The Peter Obis, who are simply shooting the breeze, doing nothing to speak for themselves rather than tell you what you think the president is not doing or should be doing.”

Morka insisted that the APC remained focused on its own agenda and was determined to contest and win the next general elections.

“We mind our business and we are in this to compete and win the next election,” he added.

During the interview, the APC spokesman was also asked whether Nigerians liked and trusted the ruling party.

Responding, Morka pointed to the party’s control of the federal government and several state governments as evidence of its electoral support.

“First of all, let me remind you that the APC is the governing party in this country, put in office by Nigerians. So, already, the answer to your question has been codified in an election of the APC, that is governing, not just at the centre but in so many states of our country. So, the answer is yes,” he said.

Continue Reading

latest

Adeleke Under Fire As Accord Leaders Raise Alarm Over Role In Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign.

Published

on

Two leaders of the Accord Party in Lagos State have called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to clarify his loyalty to the party following his reported appointment as coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign in Osun.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The leaders, Oke Sewedo, a party chieftain in Lagos West Senatorial District, and Oladeji Oluwatosin, the Lagos State chairman of the Accord Party, made the demand in an open letter addressed to Adeleke and the party’s national leadership.

They warned that Adeleke’s reported involvement in Tinubu’s re-election campaign could undermine the electoral prospects of Accord candidates in Osun and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the letter, the duo reminded the governor that he contested and won the Osun governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

“Your Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, contested and won the Osun State governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

“That victory was not merely a personal achievement; it was also a significant moment for our party and its members, who believed that Accord could provide a fertile and credible platform for grooming great political minds and careers, good governance, exemplary leadership and political change that will birth the new Nigeria of our national dream.

“However, the recent announcement naming Your Excellency as the Osun State coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign has understandably raised serious questions among party faithful,” they stated.

The party leaders questioned how a governor elected under the Accord platform could lead the presidential campaign of a candidate from another political party while Accord was preparing to field its own candidates for the same elections.

They cautioned that the development could jeopardise the party’s chances, particularly in Osun, where its candidates would be contesting for seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and other legislative positions.

“The concern is straightforward: how can a sitting governor elected under Accord simultaneously coordinate the presidential campaign of a candidate belonging to another political party, while Accord itself is preparing its candidates and supporters for the same general election?

“This portends grave danger to the electoral aspiration and prospect of Accord candidates in Osun State and Nigeria at large,” the letter read.

Sewedo and Oluwatosin further argued that Adeleke’s reported role could deprive Accord candidates of the electoral advantage they might otherwise gain from the governor’s political influence and support.

They emphasised that their concerns were not driven by personal grievances or disrespect for the office of the governor. Instead, they said the matter raised questions about the obligations of elected officials to the political parties through which they secured their mandates.

“These concerns are not accusations of wrongdoing. They are legitimate political questions that deserve a clear response from both the governor and the party leadership,” the letter added.

The Lagos Accord leaders subsequently urged Adeleke to state his political position clearly and demonstrate his commitment to the party if he still considered himself a member.

Continue Reading

Trending