The Senate has advanced efforts to restore Nigeria’s global reputation with the consideration of a bill seeking to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to Provide for Measures Towards Preserving the Image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Globally; and for Other Related Matters, 2025 (SB.570)”, passed its second reading on Tuesday. It was sponsored by Senator Bello Sani Abubakar (Niger North) and presented on his behalf by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South).
Leading the debate, Senator Abubakar said the amendment seeks to tackle the growing stigmatization of Nigerian passport holders abroad, which has resulted in tighter visa regulations and negative profiling in several countries.
“Mr. President, this bill is necessary to enact stronger measures that can help redeem Nigeria’s image abroad. Countries like Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have imposed strict visa rules on Nigerians largely due to perceived involvement in crimes by a few individuals,” Abubakar said.
“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians face denial, discrimination, and profiling simply because of the green passport. This bill seeks to correct that and restore our dignity as a nation,” he added.
Supporting the motion, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) said the ease of obtaining Nigerian passports had made them vulnerable to abuse by criminal elements, including foreigners who impersonate Nigerians overseas.
“Nigerians of all backgrounds have been disrespected in foreign lands. Some crimes committed by other nationalities are wrongly attributed to Nigerians because of weak identity verification systems,” Hussaini noted.
“It is high time we reviewed the passport issuance process and ensured tighter control to protect our citizens from unwarranted profiling,” he said.
Other senators also backed the bill, emphasizing the need to strengthen the integrity of the Nigerian passport through firm legislation and effective enforcement.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the sponsors and contributors to the debate, describing the bill as consistent with the Senate’s mission to safeguard Nigeria’s image and protect its citizens abroad.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary for further legislative input and is expected to be reported back within six weeks.
