FG Increases Passport Fees To N50,000 And N100,000

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant upward revision of the fees associated with obtaining a Nigerian passport, effective from September 1, 2024. This development, which has garnered widespread attention, was formally disclosed in a statement issued by Kenneth Udo, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), through the NIS’s official X handle. The revision of fees is part of a broader initiative aimed at maintaining and enhancing the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.

According to the NIS, the fee for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity has been increased from N35,000 to N50,000. Similarly, the cost of a 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity has been raised from N70,000 to N100,000. The government believes that this increase is necessary to ensure that the Nigerian passport remains a high-quality and secure document that meets international standards.

The NIS expressed regret over any inconvenience that the increased fees might cause to prospective applicants. However, it emphasized that this adjustment is crucial for sustaining the quality and transparency of the passport issuance process. The NIS assured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality services and upholding the integrity of the passport issuance process.

The decision to increase passport fees is likely to have a significant impact on Nigerians, particularly those who need to renew their passports or obtain new ones in the coming months. While the increased fees may be seen as burdensome by some, the government argues that the adjustments are necessary to cover the costs associated with producing secure passports that meet international standards.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the quality of the Nigerian passport, with some reports suggesting that the materials used were not up to par with international standards. By increasing the fees, the government is signaling its intention to address these concerns and ensure that Nigerian passports are recognized and respected globally.

The NIS has also indicated that the fee adjustment is part of a broader effort to improve the overall efficiency and transparency of the passport issuance process. This includes reducing the waiting time for passport processing and addressing issues related to the availability of passport booklets. The service has reiterated its commitment to transparency and has promised to provide regular updates on the passport issuance process to keep Nigerians informed.

The announcement of the fee increase has sparked various reactions among Nigerians, with some expressing concerns about the affordability of the new fees, especially for low-income earners. However, others argue that the increase is justified if it leads to a higher quality passport and improved service delivery.

As the implementation date of September 1, 2024, approaches, it is expected that more Nigerians will rush to renew their passports before the new fees take effect. The NIS may experience a surge in applications in the coming weeks as citizens seek to avoid the increased costs.

The upward review of Nigerian passport fees by the Federal Government is a move aimed at ensuring the quality and integrity of the passport. While it may cause some inconvenience to prospective applicants, the government believes that the increase is necessary to maintain the high standards expected of the Nigerian passport. The NIS has pledged to continue delivering transparent and efficient services to Nigerians, even as it implements this new fee structure.