The recent increase in passport fees introduced by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has sparked widespread debate among citizens. Many Nigerians are expressing concern about how the new charges will affect travellers, the economy, and the efficiency of the passport application system.
This adjustment follows closely on the heels of an earlier review approved in August 2024 and implemented on 1 September 2024. At that time, the cost of a 32-page, five-year passport rose from N35,000 to N50,000, while the 64-page, 10-year passport increased from N70,000 to N100,000.
With the new fees set to take effect from 1 September 2025, applicants will pay N100,000 for a 32-page passport valid for five years and N200,000 for a 64-page passport valid for ten years.
The Federal Government has explained that this increase is part of an ongoing reform programme designed to ensure that no passport application takes longer than a week to process. Interior Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has maintained that the objective is to deliver not only speed but also quality, stating that passports must reflect the nation’s integrity.
He stressed the government’s intention to minimise human interaction in the process as a safeguard against corruption, asserting that approval responsibilities will no longer lie heavily with individual officers. In his words: “Our target is very clear; within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport in hand. Not just delivering quickly, but delivering quality passports that reflect our integrity as a nation. We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum. Passport approval will no longer rest in the hands of officers as my responsibility is not for them to like me, but to deliver efficiency. Let Nigerians be happy.”
The Nigerian Immigration Service has defended the decision, stating that the increase will help fund improved security features, enhance application systems, and strengthen measures against forgery. The agency argues that the adoption of advanced technology is essential for maintaining trust in Nigeria’s travel documents.
Nevertheless, opposition to the increase has been firm. Hon Sina Bilesanmi, National President of the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS Nigeria), said the development was deeply concerning. He argued that this decision was poorly timed, given the economic strain already borne by citizens.
“We are appalled by this development. These officers of the Federal Government failed woefully to consider the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians before approving the fee hike. It’s unclear why this harsh decision was taken. Could it be to raise more money for the government? Could it be an attempt to stop young Nigerians traumatised by the economy not to be able to leave? Whatever, it leaves a sour taste in our mouths. We therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider this decision in the interest of his administration. Imagine a minimum wage of N70k or thereabout. So if a worker works for one full month, his or her salary is not enough to get the passport. That’s very ridiculous,” he said.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also voiced strong reservations, describing the increase as arbitrary and a violation of citizens’ rights. The group has called on the President to direct the immediate reversal of the policy.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, expressed concern that the fee hike could deprive millions of Nigerians of passports, thereby restricting their constitutional rights. “The unlawfully high fees amount to a discriminatory denial of access to a passport to millions of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians and unlawful restrictions of their other citizenship rights. The increased fees will hit hardest those at the bottom of the economy,” he said.
While the government’s intention to modernise passport services and safeguard national security is admirable, a closer look at the implications for ordinary citizens must be employed. The sharp rise in fees is likely to have a disproportionate impact on low-income earners, students, and small business owners who depend on international travel to sustain their livelihoods.
Given the nation’s current economic challenges, including rising unemployment and inflation, policies that place additional financial strain on citizens are bound to meet resistance. A balanced approach is needed, one that meets security and operational goals without excluding Nigerians from access to essential documentation.
The government is encouraged to revisit this decision and consider phased adjustments, targeted subsidies, or alternative revenue strategies. By adopting a more measured approach, it can demonstrate responsiveness to public sentiment while still achieving reforms that improve efficiency and reduce corruption in passport processing.