Nigerian Government Announces Passport Fee Increase, Amidst Concerns Over Poor Ranking

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved an upward review of passport fees, effective September 1, 2024. The increment aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.

According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity will now cost N50,000, up from the previous N35,000. A 64-page passport booklet with 10-year validity will increase to N100,000, from N70,000. The NIS regrets any inconvenience this increase may cause prospective applicants but assures Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and quality service delivery.

The move comes barely two weeks after the Nigerian passport was ranked 92nd out of 199 on the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges its citizens face regarding international travel freedom. The index ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa.

The recent decline in Nigeria’s passport ranking has drawn concerns from several quarters, including former Nigerian envoys. Reacting to the development, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said that countries like the Benin Republic and Ghana have issues with asylum seekers and human trafficking, which may have contributed to their relatively strong passport rankings.

Meanwhile, the PUNCH Editorial Board has advised the Nigerian government to “reverse negative perceptions, including its profile as a major entry point for drug traffickers and the prevalence of cybercrime,” among others, in a publication titled ‘Restoring the dignity of Nigeria’s passport,’ on August 8, 2024.

The increase in passport fees has sparked concerns among Nigerians, particularly with the country’s poor ranking in international passport power. However, the NIS is assuring citizens of its commitment to ensuring the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.