Nigeria Rises in Global Passport Ranking, Now 89th Worldwide

Nigeria Rises in Global Passport Ranking, Now 89th Worldwide

Nigeria’s passport has recorded a notable improvement on the global stage, moving up to 89th position out of 199 countries in the 2026 Henley Passport Index released in January.

The latest ranking marks a positive shift for Africa’s most populous nation, signaling gradual progress in international mobility for Nigerian passport holders. Despite the upward movement, the report shows that Nigeria’s passport is still facing challenges when compared to many other countries globally, particularly in terms of visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, is widely regarded as a key measure of global travel freedom. Nigeria’s position at 89th reflects incremental gains but also highlights the gap that remains between Nigeria and countries with stronger passport privileges.

Analysts note that improvements in diplomatic relations, bilateral agreements, and internal policy reforms could further enhance Nigeria’s standing in future rankings. For now, the rise to 89th place is seen as a modest but encouraging step forward for Nigerian travelers.

As global mobility continues to play an important role in trade, education, and international cooperation, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria can build on this progress in the coming years.