A coalition of civil society groups has called on Nigerians to support the proposed increase in passport processing fees, describing the move as necessary for modernising the country’s passport system.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development (CCSGND) said the fee adjustment announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Ministry of Interior is “not punitive, but rather progressive,” and urged citizens to exercise “patience, understanding and support.”
In a statement signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ochiaga Judge, CCSGND defended the upward review, noting that periodic adjustments to administrative charges are a global practice and essential to maintaining efficient public services.
“Across the world, governments constantly adjust administrative charges for services to reflect inflationary trends, technological upgrades, and the demand for more efficient service delivery,” the statement read. “Nigeria cannot afford to be an exception if our passport system is to remain credible, accessible, and secure.”
The NIS had announced on Thursday that a 32-page passport with five-year validity would now cost N100,000, while a 64-page passport with ten-year validity would cost N200,000, marking an increase less than a year after the last adjustment.
CCSGND compared the passport fee reform to other government adjustments, including electricity tariffs and fuel pricing, arguing that such changes, while initially unpopular, have yielded longer-term benefits. The coalition also criticised what it described as “desperate politicians and perpetual critics” seeking to exploit public concerns for political purposes.
“Instead, we must remain focused on the bigger picture, building institutions and systems that work,” the statement said. “We therefore call on the Nigerian people to stand with the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service in this necessary reform. True patriotism is not just about enjoying the fruits of governance but also about making sacrifices for the sustainability of our national institutions.”
The group pledged to monitor the implementation of the fee increase closely, stating it would press for transparency to ensure that all additional revenue is applied towards improving passport accessibility, affordability, and service delivery for citizens.
