Nigeria’s passport has moved up six places on the latest Henley Passport Index since President Bola Tinubu took office. The April 2026 report places Nigeria at 89th position, up from 95th in January 2024.
Visa-Free Access Declines Despite Ranking Gain
The improved ranking has not translated into broader travel freedom. Nigerian passport holders now access 44 destinations without a visa or with simplified entry. This figure dropped from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024. The shift presents a mixed outcome for global mobility.
Why the Ranking Improved
Analysts say the rise does not reflect stronger passport influence. Several countries ranked below Nigeria slipped further down, which pushed Nigeria upward. The International Air Transport Association provides the data used in the index, which evaluates 199 passports.
Historically, Nigeria’s ranking has weakened. The passport stood at 62nd position in 2006 but has now fallen to 89th, marking a long-term decline.
Countries Gained and Lost
Between January 2025 and April 2026, Nigerians gained access to nine destinations. These include Fiji, Micronesia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo, Samoa, Palau, Niue and Montserrat.
At the same time, access to several African countries was lost. These include Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe and Somalia.
Policy changes drove many of these restrictions. Ethiopia ended visa-on-arrival for Nigerians in 2022. Zambia and Zimbabwe also introduced stricter entry rules.
Nigeria Trails Regional Peers
Nigeria ranks behind several African countries. Ghana stands at 67th position with access to 67 destinations. Gambia ranks 66th with 68 destinations, while Senegal holds 77th place with 56 destinations.
Across the continent, South Africa leads with access to 100 destinations. It is followed by Botswana, Namibia, Morocco and Kenya.
Globally, Singapore holds the top position, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely.
Experts Cite Domestic Challenges
Charles Onunaiju linked the decline in visa-free access to internal issues. He pointed to economic pressure, unemployment and rising migration trends. According to him, foreign governments now apply stricter checks due to concerns about long-term migration.
Immigration Perspective on Passport Strength
A former official of the Nigeria Immigration Service explained that visa access depends on agreements between countries. Regional blocs such as ECOWAS and systems like the European Union play key roles.
The official added that authorities now focus on improving passport technology and meeting standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Africa’s Strongest Passport
Seychelles remains Africa’s top passport, with access to 152 destinations. The ranking reflects both global mobility and diplomatic ties.
The latest data shows gradual progress in ranking but highlights ongoing challenges. For many Nigerians, ease of travel remains the key concern.
