Nigerian passport climbs to 88th in global ranking

The Nigerian passport has recorded its highest ranking in five years, rising to 88th place out of 199 in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18.

The index is updated regularly based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and expert analysis on the latest shifts in passport power.

Nigeria shares the 88th spot with Ethiopia and Myanmar—the same countries it was grouped with earlier this year when ranked 91st.

But despite the ranking boost, it still grants visa-free access to only 45 countries, limiting travel freedom much as it did last year when it ranked 92.

In July 2023, Nigeria was placed at the 90th spot on the list but fell to the 97th position, below African countries like Burundi, Cameroon, and Liberia later that year.

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In 2022, it was named the 98th best passport, rising from a low ebb of 103rd in 2021.

The latest Henley Passport Index ranked Nigeria only above six African countries—Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia.

This mirrors last year’s pattern.

Meanwhile, Seychelles retained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport but fell to the 24th position globally with access to 156 nations.

In March, the island nation sat at the 22nd spot.

Singapore remained the most powerful passport, with access to 193 nations, while Afghanistan still held last, with access to 25 countries.

The United States—which held the number one position back in 2014—slipped down to the 10th place in the rankings.