Abuja, July 25, 2025 — In its latest update released on July 18, the Henley Passport Index, relying on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has elevated Nigeria’s passport to 88th place globally out of 199 countries, marking its strongest performance since 2020 .
Nigeria shares this position with Ethiopia and Myanmar, reflecting a modest yet notable climb from 91st place earlier in 2025, and a steady recovery from 97th in 2023 and 98th in 2022. At its lowest point in 2021, the Nigerian passport ranked 103rd .
Despite the improved ranking, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access remains at just 45 countries, unchanged from the previous year .
Regional Comparison and Implications
- Within Africa, Nigeria still ranks among the weaker passports, ahead of only six countries: DRC, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia .
- Seychelles continues to hold the top spot on the continent, allowing visa-free access to 156 destinations, although it slipped from 22nd to 24th in global ranking .
- Globally, Singapore retained the number one passport position with access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan remained lowest at 25 destinations .
✨ What This Means for Nigerians
While the climb to 88th globally signals incremental progress, the persistent limitation of travel freedom underscores continued challenges. Experts emphasize that without expanding visa-free access and deepening diplomatic engagement, many Nigerians will remain constrained—especially for business, education, and leisure travel beyond ECOWAS countries .
Sustained improvements could enhance Nigeria’s soft power and bolster international mobility, contingent on further bilateral agreements and visa reforms.
Government Efforts
Nigeria’s Interior Ministry has pushed for enhanced travel technology and streamlined processes, such as e-gates at major airports and automated passport services across Europe and Canada to boost global travel readiness . Similarly, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has worked to rehabilitate Nigeria’s global image through diplomatic interventions and ethical foreign policies .
Celebrate! Nigeria Is Rising
This renewed ranking represents a symbolic stride: Nigeria’s highest passport position in five years. While travel access remains limited, this progress speaks to growing diplomatic visibility and operational improvements in travel management.
Nigeria is rising, and while more ground lies ahead, today is a moment to celebrate improvement, affirm national pride, and aspire toward deeper mobility for all Nigerians.
