Nigeria has achieved a notable improvement in its international travel freedom, ascending 14 places in the latest global passport ranking. The country now holds the 89th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, up from 103rd place previously.
Understanding the Passport Power Shift
The Henley Passport Index, released on 13 January 2026, is the world's leading authority on passport strength. It evaluates 199 passports based on the number of destinations holders can enter without securing a visa beforehand. The index uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is supplemented by research from Henley & Partners.
Under this new ranking, Nigerian passport holders can now travel to approximately 44 destinations without obtaining a prior visa. This count includes countries that offer visa-on-arrival, electronic travel authorisations, or visitor permits. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been associated with this development, though the climb reflects broader diplomatic and administrative efforts.
Nigeria's Position in Global and African Context
Despite this positive movement, the Nigerian passport remains in the lower tiers globally, which continues to impose significant limitations on the international mobility of its citizens. When compared to its African peers, the gap is evident.
Seychelles maintains its status as Africa's most powerful passport, while Mauritius also ranks significantly higher. South Africa outperforms Nigeria, securing a position within the global top 50. This highlights the uneven distribution of travel freedom across the continent.
At the pinnacle of the 2026 index, Singapore retains the title of the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to over 190 destinations. It is closely followed by Japan and a cluster of European nations—Germany, Spain, France, and Italy—whose citizens can visit well over 180 countries without a prior visa.
Practical Implications for Nigerian Citizens
The limited strength of the Nigerian passport has direct, real-world consequences. It affects key areas such as international trade, education opportunities, tourism, and migration. Nigerian travellers frequently confront lengthy visa application procedures, high associated fees, and stringent documentation requirements. These barriers can stifle business growth and limit global exposure for professionals and students alike.
Furthermore, Nigeria still faces restrictive entry protocols in crucial destinations across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, which drags down its overall score. The Henley report underscores a widening global mobility gap, noting that while passport power has generally increased over the last twenty years, the benefits are not shared equally. Citizens of top-ranked nations can access nearly 200 destinations visa-free, while those at the bottom have fewer than 30 options.
The Path Forward for Greater Mobility
Observers view Nigeria's 14-place jump as a positive signal, indicating gradual progress. However, experts agree that more substantial gains will require a sustained, multi-faceted approach.
Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced diplomatic engagement to negotiate more visa-waiver agreements.
- Improved migration management and security protocols to build international trust.
- Stronger international partnerships that foster reciprocal travel arrangements.
The methodology of the index awards one point for each destination allowing visa-free entry or simplified access (like visa-on-arrival). Destinations requiring pre-departure visas score zero. Nigeria's total score is the sum of its 44 accessible destinations. To climb higher, Nigeria must systematically address the restrictions that remain in place across the world's most sought-after travel hubs.
