Victor EzejaNigerian government has announced plans to increase fees for obtaining the International Passport by those living in the country.
The Federal Government said the increase in fees for the Nigerian Standard Passport which take effect from 1 September 2024.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt said the measure is part of the federal government’s effort to enhance the quality and integrity of the passport, in line with international standards.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday, 21 August by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Public Relations Officer, DCI K.T. Udo.
According to Udo, Nigerians residing abroad are excluded from the passport fees increase.
The NIS spokesperson said under the review, the 32-page booklet with 5-year validity will be increased from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, while the 64-page booklet with 10-year validity will be raised from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
This represents 42.9 per cent increase for set of booklets.
The statement reads: “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 1st September, 2024.
“Based on the review, 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 64-page Passport booklet with 10 year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) 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.”
Additionally, the NIS stressed that the fee increase is necessary to balance the growing expenses related to passport production and issuance, guaranteeing the process’ sustainability while maintaining the security and high quality required in today’s global world.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
