FG hikes passport processing fees to ₦100,000
In a move that has sparked widespread reactions, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has announced a significant increase in the fees for processing and acquiring Nigerian passports. The new fee structure, set to take effect on September 1, 2024, will see the cost of a 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity rise to ₦100,000. This development comes as the government aims to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, according to a statement released by the NIS spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Immigration (DCI) Kenneth Udo.
The announcement details substantial changes in the pricing of Nigerian passports. The 32-page passport booklet, which previously cost ₦35,000, will now be priced at ₦50,000 for a five-year validity period. The most significant change is for the 64-page booklet with a 10-year validity, which will now cost applicants ₦100,000, up from the previous ₦70,000.
“This upward review is necessary to maintain the standard and integrity of the Nigerian passport,” Udo explained in the statement. He emphasized that the review was approved by the Federal Government to ensure the passport’s continued quality amidst rising production costs and the need to meet international standards.
The statement clarified that the fee increase applies only to applicants within Nigeria, with fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remaining unchanged. This distinction may be seen as a response to potential backlash from the global Nigerian community, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy through remittances.
The announcement has already generated significant public discourse, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about the affordability of the new fees. For a country where the minimum wage is ₦30,000 per month, the new fees represent a substantial financial burden, particularly for families requiring multiple passports.
Some Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, questioning the timing and necessity of the fee hike. “In a time when many are struggling with the high cost of living, increasing passport fees by such a margin is a heavy blow,” one Twitter user lamented.
Critics argue that the increase could lead to a rise in the number of Nigerians resorting to illicit means to obtain travel documents, thereby undermining the NIS’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the passport system.
In response to the concerns, the NIS has assured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and quality service delivery. “We understand the concerns of Nigerians, but we want to assure them that this increase is necessary to sustain the quality of our passports and improve our service delivery,” Udo stated.
The NIS has emphasized that the new fees are part of broader efforts to enhance the passport issuance process, reduce delays, and ensure that the Nigerian passport remains a secure and respected travel document worldwide. The service has also promised to address the logistical challenges that have historically plagued passport issuance, including long wait times and allegations of corruption.
The decision to increase passport fees is not an isolated development. It follows a series of reforms within the NIS aimed at improving the efficiency and security of Nigeria’s passport system. In recent years, the NIS has introduced several measures, including the deployment of e-passport technology and the expansion of passport offices across the country to reduce the backlog and enhance service delivery.
According to NIS officials, the cost of producing passports has risen significantly due to fluctuations in the global market for the specialized materials used in passport manufacturing. The agency has also faced challenges related to the maintenance and upgrading of its IT infrastructure, which is crucial for the secure processing and issuance of passports.
Coinciding with the fee increase announcement, the NIS has also initiated an investigation into an incident involving the mutilation of a Nigerian passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, showed a female traveler, identified as Favour Igiebor, destroying a Nigerian passport reportedly belonging to her husband.
The NIS, in its statement, condemned the act and revealed that the individual has been invited for questioning. The service stated that such actions constitute a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015, which prohibits the mutilation or improper disposal of travel documents. If found guilty, the offender could face severe penalties under Nigerian law.
“The Nigerian passport is a symbol of our national identity and must be treated with the utmost respect,” Udo emphasized. The NIS has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure that those who engage in such acts are held accountable.
The fee hike and the incident at the Lagos airport highlight broader issues related to the accessibility and respect for national documents in Nigeria. For many Nigerians, the increased passport fees represent another hurdle in an already challenging economic environment. The affordability of essential services like passport issuance is crucial in a country where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line.
Moreover, the airport incident brings to light concerns about the value and perception of Nigerian passports. While the NIS has made strides in enhancing the security features of the passport, the act of destruction by a citizen suggests that more needs to be done to foster a sense of pride and responsibility regarding national symbols.
The Federal Government’s decision to approve the fee hike raises questions about its approach to balancing revenue generation with public welfare. While the need to maintain the quality of passports is understandable, the government must also consider the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
To mitigate the impact of the fee increase, the government could explore alternative measures such as offering subsidized rates for low-income applicants or introducing installment payment plans. Additionally, enhancing public communication about the reasons for the fee hike and the benefits it will bring could help to alleviate some of the public discontent.
As the new fee structure for Nigerian passports takes effect on September 1, 2024, it remains to be seen how the public will adapt to the changes. The Federal Government and the NIS will need to carefully manage the rollout to ensure that it does not exacerbate existing frustrations with the passport issuance process.
The increase, though intended to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport, underscores the broader challenges of governance and public service delivery in Nigeria. It is a reminder that policies, even when well-intentioned, must be carefully balanced to meet the needs and realities of the population.
As Nigeria continues to navigate these complexities, the government’s ability to listen to and address the concerns of its citizens will be crucial in ensuring that such policy changes do not erode public trust. The NIS, for its part, must continue to prioritize transparency and efficiency in its operations, ensuring that the Nigerian passport remains a source of pride for all Nigerians.
