In a decisive step toward protecting Nigeria’s global reputation, the Senate on Tuesday progressed a bill that would impose strict penalties on citizens convicted of crimes overseas by suspending their international passports for at least 10 years.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act with tougher measures aimed at deterring criminal activity by Nigerians abroad and restoring confidence in the Nigerian passport.
Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi said the bill is both “necessary and urgent,” adding that it sends a clear message that Nigeria will no longer tolerate actions that tarnish its global image.
Under the bill, any Nigerian convicted in a foreign country would lose access to an international passport for a decade after serving their sentence. Lawmakers believe the measure will act as a deterrent, discourage fraudulent and criminal activities, and demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and reform.
Senators also stressed that the move will help rebuild trust in Nigeria’s travel documents, often scrutinized globally due to criminal misuse. The bill is expected to proceed to further legislative review before passage into law.
