The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill proposing the suspension of international passports for at least 10 years for Nigerians convicted of crimes outside the country.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as part of broader efforts to protect Nigeria’s international image and curb criminal activities involving its citizens abroad.
According to reports from the plenary, the bill is designed to introduce stricter measures against individuals whose conduct overseas tarnishes the nation’s reputation and undermines the credibility of the Nigerian passport — one of the key symbols of national identity.
Bill Aims to Deter Criminal Conduct Abroad
Leading the debate on behalf of Senator Bello, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (Nasarawa South) described the bill as both punitive and preventive, arguing that it would serve as a deterrent to Nigerians who engage in criminal activities while living or traveling abroad.
He said:
“This bill is necessary to discourage conduct that damages the standing of Nigeria and her citizens internationally. It is not only punitive but also corrective — it sends a clear message that actions abroad have consequences at home.”
Senator Ogwoshi noted that the measure would strengthen accountability among Nigerians in the diaspora, especially amid increasing reports of cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities involving citizens overseas.
Restoring the Dignity of the Nigerian Passport
The Nigerian passport, he argued, remains a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and must not be brought into disrepute through the misconduct of a few.
“When a Nigerian commits a crime abroad, it reflects negatively on all of us. This bill seeks to restore dignity to the Nigerian passport and ensure that those who abuse it pay a price,” Ogwoshi added.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed support for the proposal, emphasizing the need to reclaim global respect for the nation’s travel document and to protect law-abiding citizens from the stigma of association with criminal behavior abroad.
Widespread Support but Calls for Clarity
While the bill enjoyed bipartisan backing, some senators urged that its implementation be handled carefully to avoid unintended consequences.
Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) called for clearer definitions within the bill to determine which categories of offenses would warrant the 10-year ban.
“We must ensure fairness and due process. Not all convictions abroad are fair or free from prejudice. There must be safeguards to protect Nigerians who may have been unjustly convicted,” he said.
Similarly, Senator Nneka Ezenwa (Anambra North) warned that the bill should not duplicate penalties already imposed by foreign jurisdictions, adding that it must respect international human rights standards.
“We must balance deterrence with justice. If someone has already served a sentence abroad, we must consider whether an additional 10-year ban from holding a passport constitutes double punishment,” she argued.
Diaspora Reactions and Concerns
Reactions from Nigerians in the diaspora have been mixed. While some welcome the proposal as a necessary step to protect the nation’s image, others fear it could lead to administrative abuse or discrimination against Nigerians returning from foreign prisons after serving their sentences.
Civil society groups have also called for public hearings to ensure that stakeholders — including diaspora organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian Immigration Service — are consulted before the bill is passed into law.
A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Kenechukwu Okeke, described the bill as “well-intentioned but potentially problematic.”
“If implemented without a transparent process, this law could be used to target political dissidents or ordinary citizens with minor convictions abroad. There must be an appeal mechanism and strict judicial oversight,” Okeke warned.
Broader Effort to Rebuild Nigeria’s Global Image
The Senate’s latest move comes amid growing concern over the global perception of Nigerian travelers, with several countries tightening visa rules and subjecting citizens to stricter scrutiny.
Nigeria’s government has repeatedly pledged to combat international crime and cyber fraud linked to its nationals. In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that more than 1,200 Nigerians were serving prison terms abroad, mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Senator Bello’s bill is seen as part of a broader legislative push to address this challenge and send a strong message that the Nigerian government will not shield citizens who violate foreign laws.
“We cannot continue to allow the actions of a few to bring dishonor to millions of hardworking, law-abiding Nigerians around the world,” the sponsor said in a statement.
Next Steps: Committee Review
Following the debate, the Senate referred the bill to the Committee on Interior for further legislative scrutiny. The committee is expected to conduct a detailed review and report back within four weeks.
If eventually passed and signed into law, the amendment would empower the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to withdraw or suspend the passports of Nigerians convicted abroad and bar them from reapplying for new passports for a minimum of ten years.
The bill also proposes a centralized database linking the Immigration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nigerian embassies abroad to track convicted citizens and enforce the ban effectively.
Public Interest and International Implications
Analysts say the proposal could have wide-ranging implications for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and diaspora engagement. Some warn that overly harsh measures might discourage skilled Nigerians abroad from maintaining ties with their home country.
However, others argue that responsible global citizenship is vital to Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic aspirations, especially as the country seeks foreign investment and visa-free partnerships.
A political commentator, Dr. Hadiza Garba, described the bill as “a necessary corrective measure,” adding that “no nation can tolerate behavior that damages its global reputation without consequences.”
Conclusion
As the debate moves into the committee stage, the proposed 10-year passport ban has already sparked intense national and diaspora discussions about accountability, justice, and the value of Nigeria’s international image.
While supporters see it as a bold step toward restoring the pride of the green passport, critics insist that its enforcement must be transparent, fair, and guided by due process to avoid punishing the innocent.
For now, the Senate’s message is clear: Nigeria intends to defend the integrity of its passport — and the reputation of its people — wherever they may be in the world.
