Nigerian Passport Ranks 89th in 2026 Henley Index: A Look at Global Mobility

The Nigerian passport has recorded a modest improvement in global mobility, climbing to 89th position in the newly released 2026 Henley Passport Index, a widely referenced global ranking of passport strength. According to the index published by Henley & Partners in January, Nigeria moved up from its 94th position at the end of 2025, edging closer to its five-year high of 88th reached in mid-2025. The Nigerian passport is now tied with Myanmar and allows holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 44 destinations worldwide, including countries offering electronic travel authorisations and simplified visitor permits. The Henley Passport Index, which draws on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance. It is regarded globally as one of the most authoritative measures of travel freedom. Despite the slight improvement, the ranking highlights continued challenges for Nigerian travellers. Nigeria remains among the least powerful passports in Africa, ranking as the seventh weakest on the continent, ahead of only the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Libya, and Eritrea. By contrast, Seychelles retains its position as Africa’s strongest passport, followed by Mauritius and South Africa, which all rank significantly higher globally. On the global stage, Singapore has once again emerged as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Asian and European countries dominate the top tier of the ranking, with citizens enjoying access to between 180 and 190 destinations. At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, granting access to just 24 destinations, underscoring a widening global mobility gap. The 2026 report, which marks 20 years since the Henley Passport Index was first launched, notes that while global travel freedom has expanded over the past two decades, access remains deeply unequal. Factors such as diplomatic relations, economic stability, security considerations, and reciprocal visa policies continue to shape passport strength. For many Nigerians, particularly business travellers, students, and tourists, the ranking reflects ongoing visa hurdles, lengthy application processes, and higher travel costs when visiting destinations in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users welcoming the marginal progress as a positive sign, while others argue that deeper reforms and stronger international partnerships are needed to significantly improve Nigeria’s global mobility. Analysts suggest that sustained diplomatic engagement, improved international perceptions, and targeted bilateral visa agreements could help Nigeria climb further in future editions of the index. With the Henley Passport Index updated quarterly, observers say further movement remains possible in the months ahead. Follow Us on Social Media