The Senate has approved a bill that imposes a 10-year ban on international passports for Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), aims to revise the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, imposing strict penalties to discourage Nigerians from engaging in crimes abroad and to reclaim the dignity of the Nigerian passport.
During the debate, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi, representing the bill’s sponsor, said the measure was both necessary and urgent, stressing it would serve as a deterrent to citizens who tarnish Nigeria’s reputation through illegal actions.
“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in airports, visa denials and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few, the green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency,” he lamented.
The draft law provides that Nigerians convicted abroad would lose their passports for a decade after completing their prison terms.
Lawmakers maintain that the sanction would penalize offenders while assuring the world that Nigeria upholds responsibility.
