Nigerians React To Increase In International Passport Fee

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Wednesday, announced new fees for the country’s International Passport, after which netizens said the federal government is insensitive and detached from the suffering of the citizens.

Naija News reported that in a statement on Wednesday, NIS said the ₦35,000 hitherto charged for a 32-page Passport booklet that has five years of validity has a new fee of ₦50,000,  while 64-page with ten years of validity charged ₦70,000 has a new fee of ₦100,000.

The statement said the increase in fees would help the service maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.

It 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 1st September, 2024.

“Based on the review, 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000.00) only; while 64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (₦70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000.00) only.

“However, the fees remain unchanged in Diaspora. While the Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants; it assures Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery
at all times.”

Taking to the comment section of Nigeria Immigration Service X handle, Nigerians expressed disappointment at the federal government’s decision to increase the fees for international passports amid hardship.

A sports journalist, Ibukun Aluko, @IbkSports, said the charge was too much for the citizens. He advised the government to consider the economic strength of the citizens. “Omo make una pity us na,” he said.

IamEri’Oluwa, @IamEriOluwa, lamented that Wednesday’s increase was the third in one year of President Bola Tinubu’s government. “From 25 to 35 to 50, all within a year. You’ve truly outdone yourselves this time!

“Let’s all give a round of applause for this stellar move in the middle of an economic crisis. You’re doing so well. I mean, who needs to consider the cost of living or inflation, right?

“This increase certainly won’t deter anyone from leaving; if anything, it might just speed up the process for those dreaming of greener pastures.This masterstroke will only further cement the notion that the Nigerian government is as sensitive as a rock, completely oblivious to the financial struggles of its citizens.

“Keep up the great work, truly, it’s the people’s hardship that really brings out the best in government policy,” he wrote.

E.J., @Enwagboso, wrote, “The 10-day notice for the passport price increase is an example of the government’s lack of empathy and consideration for its citizens. @officialABAT and @nigimmigration should obviously know this.

I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.”

For El Bruzieee, @bruzieee, “Passport that should be free for citizens. What exactly are we benefiting from Nigeria’s purse?”

Asiwaju Arowopoko, @souqueasnaf, stated, “I can bet that, some people paid more to get their passport done expressly. If it’s ₦50k and ₦100k for 32 and 64 pages respectively and we will get it done seamlessly without paying bribe or extra cost then it’s ok.”

Lurd Ginut, @LurdGinut said, “It’s clear tinubu is here to make life unbearable for the citizens, cos every department is only interested in making money for the federal government.”

Gentlefire, @GeNtLeFiRe_, wrote, “Soon they will be charging us for even walking the streets, they will charge us for speaking with neighbors, charge us for being alive. If you wake up the next day, you pay ₦100k.”

For CitizenOlu, @jagabanolu, “What kind of rubbish is this policy? In this economy with ₦70k minimum wage, a passport will now cost ₦50,000!

“This is a very deliberate policy that shows some elites in power truly must be living in a different reality!”

E M E K A, @EmekaEK, said the increase in passport fee and economic hardship are products of wrong voting during the last presidential election. ” Election has consequences. The people are suffering the most,” he wrote.