Tuesday night’s hike in passport fees by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has sparked widespread outrage and criticism, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and disappointment at the sudden increase in the midst of hardship.
The move, which has seen the cost of a standard passport rise by a whopping 40 per cent, has been described as “exploitative” and “insensitive” by citizens.
As the backlash continues to grow, questions are being raised about the justification for the hike, the timing of the decision and the potential consequences for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
Tuesday night, the Federal Government said it had increased the price of procuring the Nigerian Passport.
Immigration spokesman, Kenneth Udo, who revealed the new development, stated that the reason for the increment was “to ensure integrity”.
He stated, “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 September 1, 2024.”
Based on the review, a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity that previously cost N35,000 has been pegged at N50,000 while the 64-page booklet with 10-year validity which was N70,000 will now cost N100,000.
Security expert, Chukwukasi Oji, described the hike as “insensitive”, adding that it would lead to increased financial burden for many Nigerians and business owners.
“I don’t see any sense in saying that increase on international passport will foster integrity. This is false and not logical. It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that this present administration is bringing untold hardship on innocent Nigerians that it deceived with the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is raking money and milking Nigerians from all angles. It is insensitive to the plights of the common masses. The government is doing all it could to discourage the mass exodus of the suffering mases and jobless youth, who are leaving the country for greener pastures abroad”.
“The police character certificate that was N5,000 has been increased to N50,000. All these are to discourage youths from the Japa syndrome, but the youths should not be discouraged because the government has not provided enabling environment for them to thrive,” he said.
Public Affairs analyst, Senator Iroegbu, told The Guardian that price increase will not curb corruption and passport racketeering by officers of Immigration.
Regular traveller and technocrat, Dr Boniface Chizea, hinted that the timing is wrong. “The increase in the costs of procuring Nigerian passports is immaterial and of little or no consequence. What is wrong is the timing. This is a time when there is hunger in the land, and the focus, therefore, should be on adopting measures that will reduce the suffering of all Nigerians. So, the optics does not show sensitivity to this fact, that’s all.”
Activist, Victor Ojei, said: “As the Lead Activist for the Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, I must express my deep concern over the recent decision by the Federal Government to increase the cost of procuring the Nigerian Passport. This decision comes at a time the average Nigerian is grappling with unprecedented economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
“While the intention behind the fee increment might be to maintain the quality of the passport, I believe the timing and reasoning are misguided. The government should reconsider this decision and explore alternative measures that protect the integrity of our national documents without placing additional financial burden on the already struggling populace.”
