Nigeria has moved up one spot to 91st in the 2025 Henley Passport Index but still ranks among Africa’s least powerful passports. Despite visa-free access to 45 countries, travel challenges persist. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar vows to improve Nigeria’s global standing, but social media reactions remain skeptical.
Nigeria has inched up one spot to 91st place in the latest Henley Passport Index, maintaining visa-free access to just 45 countries. Despite this minor improvement, the country’s passport remains one of the weakest in Africa, ranking above only six nations, including Libya and Somalia.
The 2025 index places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, both of which are facing internal conflicts. Meanwhile, Seychelles remains Africa’s strongest passport, climbing to 22nd globally with visa-free entry to 156 destinations.
Reacting to the ranking, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar acknowledged the need for further progress. Speaking in Abuja, he highlighted diplomatic efforts to improve Nigeria’s global standing, including securing the release of detained citizens abroad.
While Nigeria ranked 90th in mid-2023, it later slipped to 97th before rebounding in 2024. The modest gain this year has been met with mixed reactions, with some Nigerians dismissing it as insignificant and others criticizing the government’s lack of commitment to genuine reforms.
On social media, skepticism was widespread. Many users pointed out that Nigeria’s passport still requires visas for most destinations, making travel difficult. Others criticized political leaders, accusing them of neglecting passport reforms while securing foreign citizenships for their children. The sentiment among many remains clear—Nigeria’s passport may have moved up, but for everyday citizens, little has changed.
