Tuesday night’s hike in passport prices by the immigration high command has sparked widespread outrage and criticism, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and disappointment at the sudden increase amid hardship.
The move, which has seen the cost of a standard passport rise by a whopping 40 percentage, has been described as “exploitative” and ” insensitive” by some citizens and business owners
As the backlash continues to grow, questions are being raised about the justification for the price hike, the timing of the decision, and the potential consequences for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
Immigration spokesman, Kenneth Udo, who announced the hike in passport prices in a statement, said the reason for increments was “to ensure integrity”.
According to Udo, “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, the 32-page passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five thousand Naira (N35,000.00) will now be fifty thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only, while the 64-page passport booklet with 10-year validity, which was seventy thousand Naira (N70,000.00), will now be one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000.00).
Security expert, Mr Chukwukasi Oji described Immigration’s action as ‘insensitive’.
He added that the price hike would lead to an increased financial burden for many Nigerians and business owners.
According to him, “I don’t see any sense in saying that increase on international passport will forster 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.
“The government 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 #50,000. All these are to discourage youths from Japa syndrome, but the youths should not be discouraged because the government has not provided enabling environment for them to thrive.
“The increase in the price for applicants seeking Nigerian passport is uncalled for, insensitive, wicked and scandalous. Rather than bringing integrity, it will aid more corruption as unscrupulous Immigration officers will make more money for their pockets.
“Rather than increasing the price of passports, the NIS should sanitizer the service and block loopholes where the officials are syphoning money. The officers are so corrupt that despite the increase, they will still find a way of swindling applicants. I suggest that the increase should be reversed with immediate effect.”
Public Affairs analyst, Senator Iroegbu, told The Guardian that price increase will not curb corruption and passport racketeering by officers of Immigration.
According to him, “I actually don’t understand what he meant by “integrity”. He needs to explain further on that. Meanwhile, the price further adds to the misery of Nigerians are already facing a lot of economic hardships occasioned by inflation, fuel subsidy removal and other forms of taxation.
“Already people are paying more than the official price when it was still pegged at the old price so except if that’s what they meant by “maintaning quality and integrity” meaning that acquisition of passport will not be tiduous, delayed and burdensome. As well as being able to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands for security purposes.
“I doubt if it will curb corruption qnd sharp practices if the system is not sanitised and the process made more seamless.”
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.”
Another Nigerian, who wants to remain anonymous said: ” Government don’t believe that those who procure passports are part of the masses.”
Activist, Comrade Victor Ojei, said: “As the Lead Activist for the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, 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 when the average Nigerian is grappling with unprecedented economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
“The increase in passport fees only adds to the financial burden on Nigerians, particularly those who need to travel for essential reasons such as education, healthcare, or employment opportunities abroad. It is a move that, in my view, demonstrates a lack of empathy for the plight of ordinary citizens.
“Regarding the claim that the increment is intended to “ensure integrity” in the passport procurement process, I remain sceptical.
“While the idea of enhancing the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Passport is commendable, there is no clear evidence that increasing fees will address the underlying issues of corruption within the immigration system.
“The root cause of corruption in passport procurement is not necessarily linked to the cost of the passport but rather to systemic inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and weak oversight mechanisms within the immigration services.
“To truly curb corruption, the government must focus on implementing robust reforms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and the ease of obtaining passports through official channels.
“Simply raising prices without addressing these deeper issues may only serve to push more Nigerians towards unofficial and corrupt means to obtain their passports, further exacerbating the problem.
“In conclusion, while the intention behind the fee increment might be to maintain the quality of the Nigerian 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 an additional financial burden on the already struggling populace.”
