For the first time in half a decade, the Nigerian passport has climbed to its highest global ranking—88th out of 199—on the Henley Passport Index.
Released on July 18, the latest update marks a slow but steady ascent for Nigeria, which just months ago sat in 91st place and ended 2023 at a lowly 97th.
Limited Visa Access Remains
However, Nigerian passport holders still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 45 countries — the same number as last year.
As a result, Nigeria now shares 88th place with Ethiopia and Myanmar, continuing a pattern observed in January.
Henley & Partners compiles the Index quarterly, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert geopolitical analysis to track global mobility trends.
Nigerian Passport Global Ranking
Nigeria’s passport continues to lag in Africa, ranking just above six nations: the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia — the same as last year.
Read Also: N‑Power: Senate Assures Nigerians As FG Vows To Clear ₦81bn Backlog
Since hitting its lowest point at 103rd in 2021, Nigeria has gradually improved its standing.
It moved to 98th in 2022, climbed to 90th by July 2023, and now reaches 88th.
African And Global Passport Trends
Elsewhere in Africa, Seychelles leads with access to 156 destinations.
Yet, it dropped globally from March 22nd to July 24th.
Globally, Singapore maintains the top spot, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries.
In contrast, Afghanistan remains last with access to just 25 countries.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to slide.
After ranking first in 2014, it now holds 10th place, highlighting shifting global dynamics in travel freedom.
