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By Efosa Taiwo
Having a passport in today’s globalized world is a door to various yet valuable opportunities.
For Nigerian citizens, their passport is more than just a travel document — it’s a ticket to a stack of benefits.
Here are five compelling reasons holding a Nigerian passport is something you should consider:
Dual Citizenship Opportunities
Nigeria permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Nigerian citizenship alongside another nationality. This can provide significant benefits for Nigerians who have emigrated or those with family ties in other countries. Dual citizenship offers greater flexibility in terms of travel, residence, and employment, as well as access to social services and benefits in both countries of citizenship. It also allows individuals to maintain strong ties to their Nigerian heritage while enjoying the privileges of another nationality.
Consular Assistance and Protection
Nigerian passport holders are entitled to consular assistance and protection from Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide. This support includes assistance in emergencies, such as during natural disasters, political unrest, or personal crises. Consular services can also aid in legal matters, document verification, and repatriation. Having access to consular assistance provides Nigerian passport holders with a safety net while traveling or residing abroad, ensuring that they have support from their home country when needed.
Foreign Currency (Domiciliary Accounts)
In Nigeria, it is common and legal to hold domiciliary accounts in foreign currencies such as Pounds, Euros, and US Dollars. This facility contrasts with practices in countries like Brazil, where receiving foreign currency directly in a local bank account is unusual and often converted to the local currency. Despite current foreign currency shortages, Nigerian banks continue to offer this service, benefiting many.
Visa-Free Access to ECOWAS Countries, others
Nigerian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to all member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This privilege facilitates easier travel within West Africa.
According to a recent report by Henley Passport Index, the Nigerian passport extensively covers about 45 visa-free countries. These countries, inclusive of ECOWAS member countries, are: Barbados, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Chad, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Haiti.
Others include; Iran, Kenya, Kiribati, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritiana, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Niger, Niue, Palau Islands, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
This visa-free access simplifies travel logistics for Nigerians going to these countries.
Ease of International Business and Investment
A Nigerian passport can be a valuable asset for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies, and holding a Nigerian passport can facilitate easier entry into global markets for business and trade. The passport provides access to international business hubs and fosters connections with other nations, enabling business owners and investors to explore new markets and expand their ventures more effectively.
