Senate Moves To Sanction Nigerians Convicted Abroad, Proposes 10-Year Passport Ban

The Senate has considered a bill seeking to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to impose stiff penalties on Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad, including the withdrawal of their international passports for at least 10 years.

Sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), the bill aims to restore Nigeria’s global image and curb the rising cases of criminal activities involving Nigerians overseas, which lawmakers say have fueled visa denials and profiling of innocent citizens.

Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi described the amendment as “imperative and compelling,” stressing that it would serve as a strong deterrent to citizens engaging in unlawful acts abroad.

He lamented that countries such as China, Turkey, Canada, Germany, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates have imposed strict visa restrictions on Nigerians following repeated reports of crimes involving holders of Nigerian passports.

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“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians are being harassed in international airports and denied visas because of the actions of a few,” he said. “The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now viewed with suspicion. This situation is nothing short of a national emergency.”

According to the bill, any Nigerian convicted of a crime in a foreign country would have their passport withdrawn for ten years after completing their sentence.

Ogwoshi said the measure would help “redeem, preserve, and elevate the image and integrity of our dear country.”

Supporting the motion, Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) described the bill as “apt and timely,” noting that it would help restore Nigeria’s credibility. “This law will not only punish those who disgrace the nation abroad but also serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa Northwest) called for stricter control over passport issuance to prevent non-Nigerians from fraudulently obtaining Nigerian passports. “Crimes committed by foreigners are sometimes blamed on Nigerians simply because they hold our passport,” he said. “We must reclaim the dignity of the green passport.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also endorsed the bill, describing it as “a bold step to protect the dignity and integrity of Nigerians.” He recalled an incident in Dubai where a group of black men used Nigerian passports to commit robbery but were later discovered not to be Nigerians.

“This bill will help tighten passport issuance and ensure that anyone who tarnishes our country’s image faces consequences,” Akpabio said. “Any Nigerian who disgraces the nation abroad should lose their passport for at least 10 years.”

The bill, which enjoyed unanimous support, was referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative work and public hearing.

If passed, the legislation would make Nigeria one of the few African countries to sanction citizens convicted of crimes in foreign jurisdictions, a move aimed at restoring global respect for the Nigerian passport.