Senate Moves to Withdraw Passports of Nigerians Convicted Abroad

Senate Moves to Withdraw Passports of Nigerians Convicted Abroad

 

 

Abubakar Bello, senator representing Niger North, has sponsored a bill seeking to withdraw the international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad for at least 10 years. The bill, which aims to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, was passed at the second reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

 

Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South) described the legislation as “imperative and compelling,” noting that it is intended to deter Nigerians from tarnishing the country’s image overseas.

 

“Innocent Nigerians suffer harassment at airports, visa denials, and constant suspicion because of the actions of a few,” Onawo said. “The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.”

 

Under the bill, any Nigerian convicted of a crime abroad would have their passport withdrawn for ten years after serving their sentence. Supporters of the legislation argue that it will restore the dignity of the Nigerian passport and signal the country’s commitment to accountability.

 

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (Borno North) said the measure is “very apt and germane,” adding that it would help reduce profiling and visa denials for law-abiding citizens. Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) also backed the bill, stressing that only bona fide Nigerians should be issued passports.

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the bill, recalling instances where non-Nigerians used Nigerian passports to commit crimes abroad. “Any Nigerian who messes up the image of the country should not only be jailed but also lose their passport for at least 10 years,” he said.

 

The bill has been referred to the committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Interior, with a directive to report back to the Senate in six weeks.