New Passport Fees and Public Reactions

In August, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) announced a significant increase in the fees for obtaining Nigerian Standard Passports. The new pricing structure now charges N50,000 for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity, up from the previous N35,000. For a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity, the price has risen from N70,000 to N100,000. This adjustment has caused dissatisfaction among many Nigerians, especially those seeking opportunities abroad, a trend commonly referred to as “japa.”

Critics have argued that the government is making it more difficult for citizens to travel abroad by increasing the cost of passports. However, the minister has dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing that the decision was necessary given the current economic conditions, particularly the exchange rate between the naira and the dollar.

Justification for the Fee Increase

According to Tunji-Ojo, the decision to increase passport fees was based on a “cost-benefit analysis,” factoring in the substantial depreciation of the naira against the dollar. He further explained that while other sectors may warrant subsidies, passport issuance is not one of them.

“The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when you consider the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. If the government were to subsidize anything, I don’t think it should be passports,” he said.

Impact on Nigerians Abroad

Tunji-Ojo also clarified that the fee hike applies only to Nigerians within the country, with no changes in passport fees for those living abroad. This distinction, according to the minister, was made in light of the different economic circumstances faced by Nigerians living overseas.

Despite the public outcry, the government maintains that the fee hike is a necessary adjustment to reflect the economic realities of the nation. The minister assured that this increase is part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of passport production, aligning with the fluctuating exchange rates.