By By Muminat Ajide
The Nigerian government’s recent decision to increase passport fees, set to take effect on September 1, 2024, has sparked widespread criticism regarding the accessibility and affordability of essential travel documents.
In a statement released on Wednesday night on the Nigeria Immigration official page, the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), DCI Kenneth Udo, disclosed this.
“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,” the statement reads.
According to the review, a 32-page Passport booklet with a 5-year validity, previously priced at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00), will now cost Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00); while a 64-page Passport booklet with a 10-year validity, previously Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00), will now be priced at One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00).
“However, the fees remain unchanged for those applying from the Diaspora,” he added.
The announcement has sparked varied reactions online, with one user stating, “Shouldn’t it be affordable to all, at least to match the minimum wage?” Another user on the X platform commented, “This is unfair! Why are essential services becoming more expensive in our country?”
“Passports should be free for citizens. What exactly are we gaining from Nigeria’s resources?” questioned user Bruziee.
In addition to the passport fee hike, recent increases in petrol prices have also sparked concern. The price per liter surged from 160 to 800/850 Naira, marking a 400% increase after the removal of fuel subsidies, consequently driving up the cost of food and other commodities.
The dual price hikes have intensified public outcry, underscoring mounting economic pressures faced by Nigerians across various sectors.
