Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in conversations about everything wrong with Nigeria that we may get blindsided to the advantages that come with carrying a Nigerian passport. Most times, people don’t know, so they do not apply.
The problems exist but be educated on the advantages as well
while they last so you do not miss out.
Here’s why you should get your Nigerian passport today:
Dual citizenship
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
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.