The Nigerian passport's global standing, the Senate has passed the second reading of a bill that would bar citizens convicted of offenses overseas from obtaining an international passport for a minimum of 10 years after serving their sentences.
The measure, aimed at deterring criminal acts abroad and restoring national dignity, has sparked debates on accountability versus potential overreach.
Sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), the bill seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
It introduces stringent provisions empowering the Nigeria Immigration Service and Ministry of Interior to withdraw travel documents from convicted individuals, including those deported back to Nigeria.
Under the proposed law, the ban would apply to a range of crimes such as fraud, human trafficking, drug offenses, and other felonies committed in foreign jurisdictions.
Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (PDP, Nasarawa South) described the legislation as "imperative and compelling," arguing that it addresses a "crushing blow" to Nigeria's international image inflicted by the actions of a few.
"The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. Innocent Nigerians face harassment at airports, visa denials, and suspicion because of these incidents. This is a state of emergency for our national dignity," Ogwoshi stated during Tuesday's plenary session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio threw his weight behind the bill, recalling high-profile cases like a Dubai robbery involving suspects using forged Nigerian passports, who were later proven not to be Nigerians, examples of how such crimes unfairly tarnish the nation's reputation.
"This bill will tighten passport issuance and ensure that those who mess up our image face consequences. It's not just prison and deportation; they should lose their international passport for 10 to 20 years as a deterrent," Akpabio remarked, putting the motion to a voice vote that saw unanimous approval for the second reading.
Supporters, including senators from across party lines, hailed the initiative as a proactive signal to the international community of Nigeria's commitment to responsible citizenship.
They contend it would not only punish offenders but also safeguard law-abiding Nigerians from the spillover effects of global stigmatization, such as tightened visa regimes imposed by countries like the United States on Nigerian travelers earlier this year.
If enacted, the law would position Nigeria among a select few African nations with domestic sanctions for extraterritorial convictions, potentially easing diplomatic tensions and boosting passport credibility.
The bill now heads to the Senate Committee on Interior for detailed scrutiny, public hearings, and clause-by-clause review, with expectations of a report back for third reading in the coming weeks.
It will then require concurrence from the House of Representatives before transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
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