As part of efforts to restore Nigeria’s global reputation, the Senate has advanced a bill seeking to strip Nigerians convicted of crimes abroad of their international passports for a minimum period of 10 years.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), proposes amendments to the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act to introduce stricter penalties aimed at discouraging criminal behaviour by Nigerians overseas.
According to the proposed legislation, any Nigerian found guilty of a crime in a foreign country would face an automatic withdrawal of their international passport and be barred from obtaining a new one for at least a decade.
Senator Bello explained that the measure is intended to protect the integrity of the Nigerian passport and curb the negative perception of Nigerians abroad.
The bill has passed second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative action.
