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The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill proposing a 10-year international passport ban for Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad.
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Bill seeks to impose 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted overseas
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Law aims to restore global respect for Nigerian passport
The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill proposing a 10-year international passport ban for Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad, marking a decisive move to curb criminal conduct among citizens and restore the global reputation of the country’s travel document.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to include stiffer penalties against Nigerians found guilty of offences in foreign jurisdictions.
Leading the debate in plenary on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi described the bill as “imperative and compelling,” stressing that Nigeria must act to repair the damage caused by the unlawful actions of a few citizens.
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“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in airports, visa denials and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few,” Senator Ogwoshi said. “The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.”
Under the proposed amendment, any Nigerian convicted in a foreign country will have their international passport seized for a minimum of 10 years after completing their sentence.
Lawmakers backing the proposal said the move would send a strong message to the global community that Nigeria values accountability and responsible citizenship.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative input and is expected to return to plenary for final passage once the committee concludes its report.
If enacted, the measure will represent one of the most stringent legal responses to transnational crimes involving Nigerians abroad, aimed at rebuilding international confidence in the country’s citizens and its passport system.
