The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill seeking to revoke the international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes overseas for a minimum of 10 years.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), aims to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as part of broader efforts to protect and restore the global reputation of the Nigerian passport.
Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (Nasarawa South) emphasized that the bill is both punitive and deterrent, designed to discourage criminal acts that tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad.
According to Ogwoshi, the persistent misconduct of a few citizens abroad has subjected innocent Nigerians to unnecessary scrutiny and discrimination at international airports.
“Patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment, visa denials, and constant suspicion because of the actions of a few. The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected — that is nothing short of a national emergency,” he lamented.
The bill proposes that any Nigerian convicted and sentenced abroad will have their passport withdrawn for a period of 10 years after serving their sentence.
Supporters of the bill said it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and signals to international partners that the country does not condone the criminal actions of its citizens abroad.
The legislation has now passed its second reading and has been referred to the relevant committee for further consideration before its final passage.
