Some Netizens on various social media platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram, have expressed disappointment at the recently increased fees for the Nigerian Standard Passport.
The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday approved an increase in the fees charged for the Nigerian passport effective from September 1, 2024.
Spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kenneth Udo, on Thursday, 22 August, 2024 revealed this via the X handle of the NIS.
According to the Statement, the upward review aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
The Statement Read: “As part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, the Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the passport, effective from September 1, 2024.
“Based on the review, a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity previously charged at N35,000 will now be N50,000 only; while a 64-page passport booklet with 10-year validity which was N70,000 will be N100,000,”
The NIS said it regretted “any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants,” and however assured Nigerians of “unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.”
However, many social media users of texpressed worries over the rate of Corruption of some NIS officials who charge extra, unofficial fees; to the economic hardship in the country, inflation, and insensitivity of the government to the masses, among others.
A netizen on X.com, Callme_Wéalth EndSars, tweeting as #Lexyzdoo, wrote, “Online 50k, offline 100k for 32 pages.”
A Facebook user, Taiwo Olaoye, stated, “Without the hiked-up fees, you still have to pay an arm and a leg as bribery for them to do their jobs. That’s why my passport will forever remain expired. It will end up being expired in five years anyway.”
Another facebook user Mohammed Abuakar said “so if you dey abroad this one go affect? Na we wan leave una wan delay with fee increament. How this increament go take improve the quality and the integrity sef”
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Another netizen Prince Joseph said " 😳 am simply speechless, we never settle one problem, they're trying to add money into the treasury,this won't hurt the rich,cause in the world the rich gets richer,but those average nah, I no wan complain cause honestly if this government comes in 2027 again, won't some people still vote them again?"
Ovbiogie Vincent said " Nigeria 🇳🇬 passport that's supposed to be for everyone rich or poor. It's unfortunate that Nigeria leaders are not interested in the welfare of the masses.
How can a civil servant afford a Nigeria 🇳🇬 passport with a minimum wage of 70k"
