Nigeria’s new passport fees spark outcry, mixed experiences

Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s 100 per cent increase in international passport fees, which took effect on 1 September.

While some citizens acknowledged improvements in processing speed, many criticised the steep hike and demanded transparency, faster reforms, and stricter measures to curb extortion at passport offices.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had on 28 August announced the upward review of fees as part of efforts to sustain the enhanced e-passport regime. Under the new rates, applications within Nigeria now cost ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport with five years’ validity and ₦200,000 for a 64-page booklet with ten years’ validity.

For Nigerians abroad, the charges remain $150 for a 32-page passport (five years) and $230 for a 64-page booklet (ten years).

In Abuja, residents interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) voiced concerns.

Mrs. Aisha Musa, a trader applying for her first passport, described the ₦100,000 charge for the 32-page booklet as “simply crushing.”
“How many market women can produce ₦100,000 just to get a passport? The government says it wants quality, but it must also think of struggling families,” she said.

Miss Toluwani Johnson, a University of Abuja student, called the increase “another barrier for young people.”
“Many of us saved ₦50,000 for the old rate. Doubling it makes study abroad or even a holiday harder. I need a passport for postgraduate admission abroad, but saving ₦100,000, plus transport and other travel documents, is very difficult. Many students may postpone their dreams. This is disheartening,” she lamented.

Mr. Success Daniel, a travel consultant, admitted that processing speed had improved but warned against complacency. “I got an appointment online within 48 hours. If I collect my passport in under two weeks, I might accept the new cost. But Nigerians will not tolerate the old delays at double the price,” he said.

Another consultant, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu, said the review was expected, given the cost of technology and security upgrades. However, he insisted the reforms must deliver results.
“No failed networks, no touts, no endless waiting,” he said.

Engineer and car dealer, Mr. Benson Eze, noted that certainty mattered more to applicants than the price.
“If I can apply online, capture once and collect in seven days, I will accept it. The issue has always been delay and extra charges. NIS and the Ministry of Interior need to do better in service delivery. Otherwise, this increment will only cause discomfort,” he warned.

Mrs. Ngozi Kalu, a civil servant, expressed concern about “hidden” payments, saying rumours of facilitation fees persisted despite receipts being issued.
“If we are paying this much, we must see total automation and zero extortion,” she insisted.

A retired civil servant, Mr Adeniyi Adekunle, decried the lengthy process of obtaining a passport, urging the government not to prioritise revenue over service.

In response, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo assured citizens that sweeping reforms would ensure applicants now receive passports within one week of enrolment.
“Our goal is not just faster delivery but passports that reflect the integrity and dignity of our nation,” he said.

According to him, a centralised personalisation centre now allows the NIS to print five times more passports than currently required, eliminating production bottlenecks. He further stated that Passport Control Officers would no longer have powers to delay or approve applications.

“This reform is aimed at curbing racketeering, eliminating delays and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s travel documents. The best way to cut corruption is to minimise human contact,” he declared.