Nigerian Passport Rises to 88th in Global Ranking, Highest in Five Years

The Nigerian passport has recorded a significant improvement in global mobility, rising from 97th to 88th position in the latest Henley Passport Index, released on July 18, 2025.

This marks Nigeria’s highest ranking on the index in five years.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, is widely regarded as a benchmark for measuring travel freedom.

According to the report, Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 46 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges, a notable increase from previous years.

This improvement reflects recent diplomatic engagements and bilateral agreements aimed at expanding Nigeria’s global access and fostering international cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the report, describing the ranking boost as a testament to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations.

The 2025 Henley Index ranks Singapore at the top, with its citizens able to access 195 destinations without a visa, followed closely by Japan, Germany, and South Korea. Nigeria’s climb in the rankings places it ahead of several other African nations and signals potential for further growth if current trends continue.

The last time Nigeria reached a comparable position on the index was in 2020, before it slipped due to travel restrictions and diplomatic challenges.

The recent rebound is seen as a positive development for business, tourism, and international mobility for Nigerians.