Nigeria’s passport has improved in global mobility strength, rising to 88th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the highest ranking the country has attained since 2020.
According to the latest index published by Henley & Partners, holders of a Nigerian passport can now access 45 destinations without a visa.
This reflects a modest improvement compared to previous years when the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations was lower.
The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ranks 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa beforehand.
Despite the improvement, Nigeria still ranks among the bottom 20 globally and remains behind many African countries, including Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, and Botswana, all of which provide broader travel access to their citizens.
Globally, the top spots in the 2025 ranking are held by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, whose citizens can access 194 destinations visa-free. Countries like the United States and United Kingdom are tied in the 6th position, offering visa-free access to 189 destinations.
In West Africa, Ghana ranks slightly ahead of Nigeria, while countries such as Sierra Leone and Gambia maintain similar mobility profiles.
Experts note that a country’s passport strength is influenced by bilateral visa agreements, global perception, and domestic governance.
“Improved international mobility for Nigerian citizens requires sustained reforms in foreign policy, national security, and economic stability,” said a Lagos-based migration analyst.
Henley & Partners stated that global mobility inequality continues to widen, with the average traveler from high-ranking nations enjoying far greater access compared to citizens from the lower end of the index.
The development comes amid ongoing calls by Nigerian citizens for stronger global representation and strategic diplomatic engagements to ease travel constraints.
For more details on the Henley Passport Index, visit https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index.