The Senate advances a bill on Nigerian passport revocation for citizens convicted abroad, aiming to restore the country’s global reputation

Nigerian passport revocation dominated Senate discussions on Tuesday as lawmakers advanced a bill seeking to withdraw international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes overseas for at least ten years.

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Sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello, representing Niger North, the amendment to the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is aimed at restoring Nigeria’s global reputation and reinforcing accountability among its citizens abroad.

Presenting the bill on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi of Nasarawa South described the measure as urgent and necessary, stressing that it was both punitive and deterrent.

He said the proposed law would discourage criminal conduct that tarnishes the image of the Nigerian passport and its holders worldwide.

“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in airports, visa denials, and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few,” Ogwoshi lamented.

“The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.”

Under the proposal, any Nigerian convicted of a crime abroad would have their international passport withdrawn for ten years after completing their foreign sentence.

Supporters of the bill told the chamber that the measure would send a powerful signal of accountability and reassure Nigeria’s international partners of the government’s determination to uphold integrity.

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If passed, the legislation would mark a bold step in redefining the status of the Nigerian passport and reaffirming the country’s commitment to global standards of conduct.