By Fatima Saka
Abuja — The Senate has taken a decisive step toward redeeming Nigeria’s international reputation with the consideration of a bill seeking to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The bill, which scaled second reading on Tuesday, aims to introduce new measures to preserve the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria globally.
The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to Provide for Measures Towards Preserving the Image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Globally; and for Other Related Matters, 2025 (SB.570), was sponsored by Senator Bello Sani Abubakar, representing Niger North Senatorial District. It was read on his behalf by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa South.
Leading the debate, Senator Abubakar explained that the amendment seeks to address the growing international stigmatization of Nigerian passport holders, which has led to increased visa restrictions and negative profiling in some countries.
“Mr. President, this bill is necessary to enact stronger measures that can help redeem Nigeria’s image abroad. Countries like Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have imposed strict visa rules on Nigerians largely due to perceived involvement in crimes by a few individuals,” he said.
“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians face denial, discrimination, and profiling simply because of the green passport. This bill seeks to correct that and restore our dignity as a nation,” he added.
Supporting the bill, Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, emphasized that the ease of obtaining Nigerian passports had contributed to abuse by criminal elements, including foreigners who impersonate Nigerians abroad.
“Nigerians of all backgrounds have been disrespected in foreign lands. Some crimes committed by other nationalities are wrongly attributed to Nigerians because of weak identity verification systems,” Husseini stated.
“It is high time we reviewed the passport issuance process and ensured tighter control to protect our citizens from unwarranted profiling,” he said.
Several lawmakers expressed support for the bill, stressing that the integrity of the Nigerian passport must be restored through stronger legislative backing and enforcement mechanisms.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the sponsors and contributors to the debate, noting that the bill aligns with the Senate’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s image and citizens abroad.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Interior, Foreign Affairs and Judiciary for further legislative work and is expected to reported back to the Senate in six weeks.
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