The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced a significant increase in passport fees for Nigerians residing within the country. The new fees will come into effect on September 1, 2024.
This decision is part of the government’s efforts to maintain and enhance the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, ensuring it meets international standards.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) made the announcement on Wednesday through a statement released by DCI KT Udo, the Service Public Relations Officer at the Service Headquarters. The announcement was also shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the NIS.
According to the revised pricing structure, the cost of obtaining a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will increase from N35,000 to N50,000. Additionally, the fee for a 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity will rise from N70,000 to N100,000.
“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,” the statement read.
It further clarified, “The 32-page Passport booklet with five-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000), while the 64-page Passport booklet with ten-year validity, which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000), will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000).”
The NIS emphasized that these fee adjustments apply only to Nigerians residing within the country. Passport fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain unchanged.
The agency acknowledged that the fee increase might cause some inconvenience to prospective applicants. However, the NIS reassured the public of its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the delivery of high-quality services. The fee increase, according to the NIS, is necessary to offset the rising costs associated with passport production and issuance, ensuring the process remains sustainable while maintaining the required security and quality standards.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants but assures Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery,” the statement concluded.
The announcement has sparked various reactions among Nigerians, with some expressing concerns over the affordability of the new fees, especially for lower-income citizens. Nonetheless, the government maintains that the increase is essential for maintaining the passport’s standards in a global environment where security and quality are paramount.