Nigeria’s passport continues to struggle on the global stage, ranking 89th out of 199 countries in the 2026 Henley Passport Index released in January. The ranking highlights the persistent travel limitations faced by Nigerian citizens, despite years of diplomatic engagement and promises of improved global mobility.

According to the index, holders of the Nigerian passport have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 50 destinations worldwide, placing the country behind several African peers. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations citizens can access without obtaining a visa prior to travel.

The latest position reflects little improvement from previous years and reinforces Nigeria’s status as one of the lowest-ranked passports globally. Analysts attribute the weak ranking to concerns around migration control, security perceptions, overstayed visas, and strained diplomatic trust with destination countries.

While Nigeria sits at 89th place, countries like Japan, Singapore, France, and Germany continue to dominate the top of the rankings, offering access to over 190 destinations. Within Africa, nations such as Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, and Botswana maintain significantly stronger passport power.

Experts say passport strength is closely tied to economic stability, governance, international relations, and compliance with global travel and security standards. Nigeria’s ongoing challenges in these areas continue to reflect in its poor ranking.

Social Media Reacts with Frustration

As expected, the ranking triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and disappointment. Some users described the passport as “a travel burden,” while others questioned the impact of Nigeria’s foreign policy on ordinary citizens.

Several commentators argued that the ranking exposes deeper systemic issues, including poor global perception, weak institutions, and lack of reciprocal visa agreements. Others lamented that young Nigerians are often judged harshly at foreign borders simply because of their passport.

A common sentiment online was that the ranking highlights the disconnect between government assurances and the lived realities of citizens who face visa denials, long processing times, and costly travel requirements.

Policy analysts have called for renewed diplomatic efforts, improved documentation security, and stronger international cooperation to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s travel credentials. They also emphasised the need for internal reforms that address migration abuse and strengthen border management.

Despite the challenges, experts note that passport rankings can improve over time if deliberate efforts are made to strengthen bilateral relations and global trust.

For now, Nigeria’s 89th position on the 2026 Henley Passport Index serves as another reminder of the hurdles Nigerian travellers continue to face in an increasingly interconnected world.