Nigeria has been recognized as the fourth most improved visa-friendly nation in Africa over the past eight years, according to the latest Africa Visa Openness Index. The report highlights significant strides in easing travel restrictions across the continent, with 39 African countries improving their visa scores between 2016 and 2024.
Notable leaders in this progress include Benin, which has ascended from 31st to 1st place, Ethiopia rising from 46th to 19th, and Sierra Leone moving from 32nd to 13th. The reforms have fostered greater travel accessibility, boosting regional connectivity and economic collaboration.
This development underscores the broader trend of visa policy reforms aimed at enhancing intra-African mobility and integration. It also highlights the growing importance of a strong and valuable passport, which not only facilitates international travel but also reflects a country’s global standing and its citizens’ access to economic, educational, and cultural opportunities across borders. A well-regarded passport is increasingly seen as a tool for empowerment, fostering both
