The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to revoke the international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad for a minimum of 10 years, in a bid to restore the nation’s global image and protect the integrity of the Nigerian passport.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), aims to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to impose tougher sanctions on Nigerians who engage in criminal activities outside the country.
Presenting the bill on the floor of the Senate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi described the measure as a necessary deterrent to those tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
Under the proposed amendment, any Nigerian convicted of a criminal offense overseas would have their international passport withdrawn for 10 years after completing their sentence.