The Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill that would revoke the international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes overseas for a minimum of 10 years.

Sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), the bill seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as part of legislative efforts intended to restore the country’s global reputation.

Leading the debate, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (Nasarawa South), speaking for the sponsor, argued that the bill is urgent and necessary.

He said the bill is both punitive and deterrent and will discourage criminal conduct that damages the standing of the Nigerian passport and its citizens abroad.

“Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in airports, visa denials, and constant suspicion simply because of the actions of a few.

“The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency,” he said.

The proposed amendment would withdraw a convicted individual’s passport for 10 years after the completion of their foreign sentence.