Travelling without the hassle of visa applications is a dream for many, especially when considering the time and expense often involved. Fortunately, Nigerian passport holders have access to several beautiful destinations around the world that don’t require a visa.

While the Nigerian passport might not offer the same level of global access as some others, there are still some exciting destinations that Nigerian passport holders can explore without the hassle of a visa.

These countries offer a diverse range of experiences for Nigerian travellers. Here are five exciting countries you can explore visa-free with a Nigerian passport.

1. Ghana

Ghana, one of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries, offers Nigerian travellers a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes without requiring a visa.

As part of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), Nigerians can travel to Ghana freely for up to 90 days. This ease of entry has made Ghana a popular destination for those seeking a quick getaway or extended stay in West Africa.

In Ghana, you’ll find the vibrant city of Accra, where you can explore markets like Makola Market for unique handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles.

For a touch of history, visit Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These historical landmarks provide a moving insight into Ghana’s past, especially related to the transatlantic slave trade.

Additionally, nature lovers can head to Kakum National Park, where they can walk along the famous canopy walkway, suspended 30 meters above the ground, to enjoy breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest.

2. Barbados

Barbados might seem like a distant paradise, but Nigerian passport holders can explore this beautiful Caribbean island for up to six months without a visa.

This extended stay period allows Nigerians ample time to fully experience the island’s rich cultural heritage, white-sand beaches, and vibrant music scene.

Barbados is famous for its beaches, with Crane Beach and Accra Beach offering clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Moreover, visitors can experience the lively capital city of Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and historic landmarks like St. Nicholas Abbey.

Don’t miss the island’s Crop Over Festival, a colourful celebration of Barbadian culture featuring music, dance, and carnival parades.

To immerse yourself in local flavours, try dishes like flying fish and cou-cou, or enjoy a rum distillery tour to learn about Barbados’ history with this Caribbean staple.

3. The Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise renowned for its luxury resorts and vibrant coral reefs, also offers visa-free entry to Nigerian citizens for up to 30 days.

Known for its clear blue waters and overwater bungalows, the Maldives is a perfect destination for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a serene escape.

While the Maldives is often associated with high-end resorts, there are plenty of affordable guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi, where you can experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find an underwater haven, with coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays.

Additionally, travellers can indulge in Maldivian cuisine, which includes coconut-infused curries and freshly caught seafood.

For those interested in cultural experiences, visiting Malé, the capital, provides insight into Maldivian traditions, local markets, and historical mosques.

4. Gambia

Moving on to another welcoming destination, The Gambia provides Nigerian travellers with a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Known for its warm hospitality, this small West African nation boasts spectacular Atlantic coastlines and diverse wildlife.

Furthermore, visitors can explore the historic Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the poignant story of the transatlantic slave trade.

Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts can discover the abundant wildlife at River Gambia National Park or the Abuko Nature Reserve. Above all, the country’s year-round warm climate makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers.

5. Benin Republic

Just next door to Nigeria, the Benin Republic welcomes Nigerian passport holders visa-free for up to 90 days. Subsequently, this makes it an excellent choice for both short getaways and extended stays.

The country’s rich cultural heritage is particularly evident in the historic city of Ouidah, famous for its role in the slave trade and voodoo culture.

In addition to its historical sites, Benin offers natural wonders such as the Pendjari National Park, home to some of West Africa’s last remaining big game.

Similarly, the stilt village of Ganvie provides a unique glimpse into traditional lake-dwelling communities.

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Efunroye Tinubu rose as a formidable political and economic figure in Abeokuta and Lagos. Born in Abeokuta in the early 1800s, she married young and had two sons. Her husband’s early death left her widowed, but in 1833, she remarried Adele, the exiled Oba of Lagos. This marriage marked the beginning of her influence, allowing her to gain significant political and economic power.

The couple settled in Badagry, where Tinubu established a thriving business. She traded slaves for salt and tobacco with European merchants, creating a powerful network of alliances.

When Adele regained his title in 1835, Tinubu returned to Lagos with him. However, Adele died two years later, so she remarried Yesefu Bada, Adele’s military advisor, and expanded her trading empire to include palm oil and slaves.

The Yoruba Wars of the 1840s and 1850s provided an opportunity for Efunroye Tinubu to increase her wealth further. She monopolized both palm oil and slave trading, selling weapons obtained through her European contacts.

Her growing influence earned her the title of Iyalode of Egbaland, the highest chieftaincy title for women, in recognition of her contributions to the war against Dahomey.

Oladipo Yemitan’s biography, Madame Tinubu: Merchant and Kingmaker, explores her controversial role in the slave trade.

One notable incident involved an alleged sale of a young boy into slavery, which she denied. In another episode, the Amadie-Ojo Affair, Tinubu declared she would rather let 20 slaves drown than collect half-payment for them.

Her business dealings were matched by her political ambitions, as she openly opposed colonial policies in Lagos and engaged in king-making in Abeokuta. In 1879, she supported Prince Oyekan over Ademola for the Alake title in Egbaland.

Despite her power, Tinubu’s influence began to wane after clashing with British Consul Benjamin Campbell. Campbell objected to her economic dominance and covert slave trading, which threatened British interests. She criticized him for meddling in Lagos’s sovereignty, sparking a standoff that saw British gunboats force her back to Abeokuta in May 1856.

Even in exile, Tinubu’s legacy endured. She died in 1887, and Lagos Island’s Tinubu Square now bears her name. Ironically, after her death, her possessions passed to her slaves, marking a complex end to her influential and contentious life.