International Passport Hike: What Nigerians Have To Say

A Wednesday announcement by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has gotten tongues wagging on social media.

Nigerians were still trying to deal with the lingering hardship when the NIS announced new fees for the country’s International Passport.

International Passport Hike: What Nigerians Have To Say

Now, netizens believe the federal government was insensitive and detached from the suffering of the citizens.

In a statement on Wednesday, NIS said the ₦35,000 hitherto charged for a 32-page Passport booklet that has five years of validity has a new fee of ₦50,000.

Similarly, the 64-page with ten years of validity charged ₦70,000 has a new fee of ₦100,000.

The statement said the increase in fees would help the service maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.

Upward Review Of Passport Fees

The statement read: “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 from September 1, 2024.

“Based on the review, the 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000.00) only.
“64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (₦70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000.00) only.”

“However, the fees remain unchanged in Diaspora. While the Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants; it assures Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.”

What Nigerians Have To Say

This announcement did not settle well with Nigerians.

Many stormed the comment section of the NIS.

They expressed their disappointment at the federal government’s decision to increase the fees for international passports amid hardship.

See some reactions below:

@IbkSports: the charge was too much for the citizens. He advised the government to consider the economic strength of the citizens. “Omo make una pity us na.”

@IamEriOluwa: “From 25 to 35 to 50, all within a year. You’ve truly outdone yourselves this time!
“Let’s all give a round of applause for this stellar move in the middle of an economic crisis.
You’re doing so well. I mean, who needs to consider the cost of living or inflation, right?

“This increase certainly won’t deter anyone from leaving; if anything, it might just speed up the process for those dreaming of greener pastures.
This masterstroke will only further cement the notion that the Nigerian government is as sensitive as a rock, completely oblivious to the financial struggles of its citizens.
“Keep up the great work, truly, it’s the people’s hardship that really brings out the best in government policy,” he wrote.

@Enwagboso: “The 10-day notice for the passport price increase is an example of the government’s lack of empathy and consideration for its citizens. @officialABAT and @nigimmigration should obviously know this.

I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.”

@bruzieee: “Passport that should be free for citizens. What exactly are we benefiting from Nigeria’s purse?”

More Reactions

@souqueasnaf: “I can bet that, some people paid more to get their passport done expressly.
If it’s ₦50k and ₦100k for 32 and 64 pages respectively and we will get it done seamlessly without paying bribe or extra cost then it’s ok.”

@LurdGinut: “It’s clear tinubu is here to make life unbearable for the citizens, cos every department is only interested in making money for the federal government.”

@GeNtLeFiRe_: “Soon they will be charging us for even walking the streets, they will charge us for speaking with neighbors, charge us for being alive. If you wake up the next day, you pay ₦100k.”

@jagabanolu: “What kind of rubbish is this policy? In this economy with ₦70k minimum wage, a passport will now cost ₦50,000!

“This is a very deliberate policy that shows some elites in power truly must be living in a different reality!”

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