Under Tinubu, ‘Giant of Africa’, Nigeria’s Passport Ranks Among Continent’s Weakest, Visa-Free Access Only To 44 Countries
Despite being Africa’s most populous nation and an economic powerhouse, Nigeria Under Bola Tinubu, has continued to lag far behind other African countries in global passport rankings.
In the latest Henley Passport Index, updated on March 9, 2026, Nigeria ranks 88th globally and below 30th in Africa, granting Nigerian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 44 destinations.
Experts say this limited travel freedom poses challenges for Nigerian passport holders, particularly for business, education, and tourism opportunities abroad.
According to the report, Seychelles ranks 22nd globally, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 countries. Close behind is Mauritius, ranked 25th globally with access to 147 destinations, followed by South Africa in 46th place, allowing entry to 100 countries.
Other African countries making the top ten include Botswana (55th, 82 destinations), Namibia (60th, 75 destinations), Lesotho (61st, 73 destinations), Morocco (62nd, 71 destinations), eSwatini (62nd, 71 destinations), Malawi (63rd, 70 destinations), and Kenya (64th, 69 destinations).
Globally, Asian passports remain the strongest, with Singapore and Japan topping the list, offering access to 192 and 187 destinations, respectively, without a prior visa.
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.
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The Henley Passport Index, published by London-based advisory firm Henley & Partners, evaluates 199 passports and 227 destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association and Henley’s own research.
