The federal government has approved an increase in Nigerian passport fees, effective September 1, 2024.
The public relations officer at the Service Headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), DCI KT Udo, said the decision aims to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard passport.
According to him, under the new fee structure, the 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will now cost ₦50,000, up from the previous ₦35,000.
He added that the 64-page passport that is valid for 10 years with a previous charge fee of 70,000 will also be changed to 100,000.
The NIS expressed regret over the short notice and any inconvenience the fee hike may cause Nigerians.
The agency also reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to providing efficient and high-quality services to applicants.
However, the sudden price alterations have stirred and sparked reactions from Nigerians who are concerned about the financial strains as well as the mind of the government towards her people seeing that the change is to be effective in not less than 10 days.
In his reaction to the NIS announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. E.J expressed his concerns, criticizing the 10-day notice for the passport price increase as evidence of the government's "lack of empathy and consideration" for Nigerian citizens.
He suggested that the decision be either reversed entirely or delayed until January 1, 2025, alongside a review of the pricing strategy.
Mr. Fola on X, referred Nigerians to the US hiked passport cost that took place in 2021.
He said: “There was a shorter notice of 7 days, he went on to state that it was only possible for them judging by the difference in living standards in comparison to ours.
He said that not all Nigerians can afford to travel, calling it an “Exclusive package.”
He reiterated the dynamics of these policies, in which the government redistributes wealth through taxes on luxury items by way of providing infrastructures that benefit the poor.
Some Nigerians have called out the NIS and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly being inconsiderate showing mass disapproval of the hike in price as well as the short notice.
