Victor Ezeja
Nigerians have kicked against the Federal Government’s decision to increase fees for obtaining Standard Passport, effective from September 1, 2024.
They said the period between when it was announced and the date its implementation takes effect is short.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reported that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) through a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCI KT Udo, announced on Wednesday, 21st August, that the fees increase will take from 1st September 2024, which is just 10 days.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Govt Increases Passport Fees By 43%
The NIS spokesperson said in the statement that the Federal Government approved that the 32-page Passport booklet with 5 year validity
previously charged at ₦35,000 will now
be ₦50,000, while 64-page Passport
booklet with 10 year validity which was
₦70,000 will now be ₦100,000.
This amounts to 42.9 per cent increase.
Reacting to the proposed international passport fees hike, an X user with the username, EJ and handle @Enwagboso said the 10-day notice given by the Federal Government shows lack of empathy to the plights of Nigerians.
He suggested that the Federal Government should review the pricing strategy to ensure that it does not impact negatively on the people.
“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,” EJ wrote.
“I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of 1 January 2025.,” he added.
Another X user with the username Oluwaseun @Seun4christ said the Immigration Service has already stopped accepting payments based on the old fees
He wrote “Payment has been stopped already. All attempts to pay this evening have so far failed,” Oluwaseun wrote.
However, another X user said: “I can bet that, some people paid more to get their passport done expressly. If it’s 50 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.”
However, some said it will still be the same old prices.
“If this will remove the corruption from the process then it makes sense since people are already paying over 100k for the 32 pages.
“This is a common knowledge but trust people to act obtuse.
“The only issue I have with this is the notice period. I think at least 3 months is okay.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
