The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill seeking to impose a 10-year ban on citizens convicted of criminal offenses in foreign countries, preventing them from holding or renewing a Nigerian passport for that period.
The legislation is primarily intended to curb international crimes committed by Nigerians and to protect the country’s image abroad, which has been severely damaged by high-profile criminal activities involving some citizens in the diaspora.
While the specific name of the bill or the exact date of its final passage was not immediately clear, the core provision introduces a decade-long restriction on passport privileges for those found guilty of crimes in foreign jurisdictions. The bill’s passage reflects a major step by the National Assembly to reinforce punitive measures against citizens who engage in activities that tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
The new penalty would be enforced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The measure is expected to be forwarded to the President for assent before officially becoming law.
