As the controversy surrounding the October 2023 promise of a two-week seamless processing timeline for the Nigerian international passport made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister, rages on, the country’s foremost travel document ranks 50th in Africa in terms of relevance and strength.
In the latest Henley Passport Index report released on Thursday, apart from being “the 50th strongest passport in Africa”, the Nigerian passport also ranked 95th in the world.
Just as reported in the index’s report published in July 2023, holders of the green document still only have the privilege of accessing 45 countries visa-free.
Seychelles maintained its spot as having Africa’s strongest passport, ranking 26th in the world. Its citizens also have the privilege of either accessing 156 destinations visa-free or obtaining visas on arrival.
Mauritius now has the second-most powerful passport in Africa, as its citizens can now access 150 world destinations visa-free. On the world stage, the country’s travel document ranks 30th.
The South African and Botswanan passports rank third and fourth, respectively, while Lesotho and Namibia are joint fifth.
In order of their passport strengths, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania are among Africa’s top 10 countries.
