4 reasons we increased passport fees —Immigration

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has justified the upcoming increase in passport fees, set to take effect on September 1, 2024.

The Guardian reports that the adjustment in the passport fees has sparked varied reactions across social media platforms, with several Netizens complaining that the increase is another pointer that President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) led government does not mean well for the ordinary Nigerians.

But, in a statement released on its official X account, the NIS outlined four key reasons for the fee hike. The service stressed that the move was necessary to improve passport quality, cover rising production costs, and boost service delivery.

Furthermore, the change aligns with the government’s focus on local content.

According to the NIS, the increased fees will enable the service to enhance passport standards to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.

Additionally, the funds will be used to expand passport front offices and biometric centres, reducing congestion and improving turnaround times.

The service also aims to fully domesticate the production of Nigerian passport booklets.

The NIS encouraged applicants to use its automated payment platform for a seamless application process.

The announcement follows ongoing public discourse, with some Nigerians criticizing the government and NIS for a lack of empathy amidst economic challenges.

Key reasons for the increase include:

1. Improved passport quality:
The NIS aims to ensure that Nigerian passports continue to meet international standards.

2. Rising production costs:
The service highlighted the need to address the increasing cost of materials and production.

3. Enhanced service delivery:
The NIS intends to create more passport offices and biometric centres to improve accessibility and reduce processing times.

4. Local content agenda:
The fee hike is part of the government’s efforts to promote local production of passport booklets.