Nigeria’s passport has climbed to its highest global ranking in five years, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released on 18 July 2025. The document now ranks 88th out of 199 countries, up from 91st in January and 92nd in mid-2024.

This marks a steady improvement for Nigeria, which had ranked 97th in 2023, 98th in 2022, and a low of 103rd in 2021. The latest position places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, although citizens still face significant travel restrictions, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 45 countries.

Despite the gain, the Nigerian passport remains one of the least powerful on the African continent. It surpasses only six countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya and Somalia.

Seychelles retained its lead as Africa’s most powerful passport, though it slipped from 22nd in March to 24th globally. It currently allows visa-free access to 156 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks global passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Globally, Singapore held its position at the top of the list, with visa-free access to 193 countries. Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering its citizens entry to just 25 destinations without a visa.

The report is also a reflection of how diplomatic relations, security concerns, and international cooperation affect the mobility of citizens worldwide. While Nigeria’s progress remains modest, the latest figures could signal a gradual improvement in international travel opportunities for its citizens.