The Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill that seeks to strip Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad of their international passports for a period of 10 years after serving their sentences.
Naijaonpoint reports that the bill, which is aimed at restoring Nigeria’s global reputation, was sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North).
It proposes amendments to the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to impose stricter penalties on Nigerians who engage in criminal activities overseas.
According to lawmakers, the legislation is part of a broader effort to rebuild the credibility of the Nigerian passport and demonstrate to the international community that the country will not condone acts that bring it into disrepute.
Leading the debate on the floor of the Senate, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi, who spoke on behalf of the bill’s sponsor, described the proposal as “imperative and long overdue.”
He said the legislation would act as a deterrent to those whose criminal conduct abroad continues to tarnish the image of law-abiding Nigerians.
“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment at airports, visa denials, and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few,” Ogwoshi said.
“The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.”
The lawmaker lamented that Nigeria’s global standing had suffered due to recurring incidents involving its citizens abroad, stressing that strong measures were necessary to restore confidence in the nation’s identity.
Under the proposed amendment, any Nigerian convicted of a criminal offence in a foreign country would have their international passport confiscated for 10 years after completing their sentence.
The bill empowers relevant government agencies, particularly the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior, to implement the restriction and maintain a database of offenders to ensure compliance.
Lawmakers said the penalty was not just punitive but also symbolic, showing that Nigeria takes responsibility for its citizens’ conduct abroad.
“The purpose of this bill is not to stigmatise Nigerians but to protect the dignity of those who represent the best of our country,” Ogwoshi explained.
Senators supporting the bill argued that it would help reverse the negative perceptions associated with the Nigerian passport and send a message of accountability to other nations.
“This measure will punish wrongdoers and reassure the global community that Nigeria is serious about discipline, integrity, and reform,” a lawmaker said during the session.
Naijaonpoint reports that the debate on the bill drew widespread support across party lines, with several senators commending the initiative as a proactive step toward restoring national pride and rebuilding international trust.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative work and is expected to undergo a public hearing in the coming weeks.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]