FG hikes passport fees second time in 1yr

The Federal Government increased the fees for Nigerian passports on Thursday, effective September 1, 2025. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Sheriff Akinlabi. He said the increment aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, set to take effect from […]

The Federal Government increased the fees for Nigerian passports on Thursday, effective September 1, 2025.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Sheriff Akinlabi.

He said the increment aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, set to take effect from September.

“The review, which only affects Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now sets a new fee threshold for 32-page passports with 5-year validity at N100,000 (about 66 dollars) and 64-page passports with 10-year validity at N200,000.

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“Meanwhile, Nigerian Passport Application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for a 32-page passport with 5-year validity and $230 for a 64-page passport with 10-year validity,” he said

The Service reiterates its commitment to balancing quality service delivery with the need to ensure Passport services are accessible to all Nigerians.

 

Nigerian passport among the most expensive

Nigeria has increased its passport fees twice in the last year. The new fee for a standard 32-page Nigerian passport with five-year validity marks a sharp rise from previous years.

Nigeria’s recent fee hikes—first in 2024 and again in 2025—have made its passport one of the most expensive on the continent, especially for domestic applicants.

While the government cites improved security features and administrative upgrades as justification, the steep cost remains a burden for many citizens.

Across the continent, passport fees vary widely, often reflecting differences in government policy, administrative costs, and economic conditions. For instance, Kenya offers a 32-page passport valid for ten years at just $44 (N67,615.68), making it one of the most cost-effective options with generous validity.

Similarly, South Africa charges only R600 (about N48,000) for a ten-year passport, positioning it as the most affordable among major African economies.

Tunisia also offers one of the lowest fees at just $20 (N31,000), while Morocco, Gambia and Zimbabwe maintain mid-range pricing between $50 and $61 (N75,000–N90,000).

 

Nigerians react

Nigerians who spoke on the new increment described the government’s action as insensitive.

In Kano, Yusuf Ali, a businessman who travels frequently, described the hike as yet another anti-people policy.

He said, “We sincerely condemn this decision, especially now that we are witnessing widespread economic hardship.

“Essential documents should be subsidised to remain accessible. Increasing it will limit opportunities abroad to only the wealthy.”

Another resident, a travel agent, Abdullahi Sanusi, said, “The fee increase would have a significant negative effect on Nigerians. However, it will further be subjected to fraudsters if care is not taken. More security features would have to be put in place.”

On his part, Maimuna Sagir, a businesswoman, urged the authorities to “reconsider the hike. This is something that we don’t do often, and when we are doing it, whether new or renewal, it’s usually tasking.

“Honestly, for some of us who travel frequently, it’s a big blow. It’s not about having the money if you can, but what about those average earnings people? It will discourage them.

“If they are trying to shut the door at ordinary Nigerians who travel, they should come out clean and say it.”

 

FG justifies action

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while speaking on Thursday at the ministry’s Mid-Tenure/2025 Sectoral Performance Retreat held at Zuma Rock Resorts, Suleja, Niger State, said Nigeria’s passport regime and immigration processes have been fundamentally overhauled to deliver efficiency, eliminate corruption, and restore integrity to the country’s travel documents.

“My responsibility is to do what is right, not what is convenient. Nigerians deserve efficiency, not bottlenecks,” the Minister declared, adding that his mandate under President Bola Tinubu’s administration was anchored on “simple solutions to complex problems.”

On passport reform, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Immigration Service now operates a Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre—the largest in Africa—established through renegotiated contracts rather than new government spending.

He reaffirmed his target of delivering passports within one week, ensuring data integrity across immigration services, and building a transparent, technology-driven system trusted locally and internationally.