A bill seeking to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, has passed its second reading in the Senate.
The proposed law aims to empower authorities to withdraw the international passport of any Nigerian convicted of a crime for a period of ten years.
Presenting the bill, Senator Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South described the amendment as necessary to protect Nigeria’s image and discourage criminal activities by citizens both at home and abroad.
He explained that the measure would help curb the negative perception of Nigerians in foreign countries, many of which have imposed strict visa rules due to offences committed by some Nigerians.
According to the lawmaker, crimes committed by Nigerians overseas have damaged the country’s reputation, subjected citizens to humiliation, and made them targets of discrimination during international travel.
The bill has now been referred to the relevant Senate committee for further legislative action before its third reading and possible passage into law.
