The Federal Government of Nigeria has defended the recent increase in passport application fees, raising the cost to ₦100,000 for the 32-page passport valid for five years, and ₦200,000 for the 64-page passport valid for ten years.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the new fees will take effect from September 1, 2025, for applications made within Nigeria, while Nigerians living abroad will continue to pay $150 and $230 respectively.
The government explained that the fee hike aims to maintain the quality and integrity of Nigerian passports, improve the efficiency of the issuance process, and curb corruption.
This increase follows an earlier adjustment in August 2024 when fees were raised from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000 for the 32-page passport and from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000 for the 64-page passport.
Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo defended the new pricing during the ministry’s mid-term retreat, emphasizing that the reforms are intended to ensure Nigerians receive their passports within one week of application.
He highlighted that previous issues, such as long delays of up to seven months and extortion fees for fast-tracking, have been addressed through centralizing the processing system.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that the largest personalized passport printing center in Africa now has the capacity to print five times more passports than currently needed, and that the time for vetting applications is less than 24 hours.
He further stated that Passport Control Officers will no longer have the authority to approve or delay applications, a change aimed at eliminating corruption opportunities.
The reforms also focus on safeguarding the authenticity of Nigerian passports, preventing foreigners from illegally obtaining Nigerian passports.
The Minister cited an incident where a Ugandan woman was arrested at Lagos Airport for possessing a Nigerian passport obtained through illicit means.
He stressed that the passport is a symbol of national identity and must be protected as such.
Overall, the government asserts that the fee increases and systemic reforms will enhance passport service delivery, uphold the integrity of Nigerian travel documents, and eliminate past corrupt practices.
