Mixed reactioned trail FG’s 100% hike in International Passport Fees.
Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings to the federal government’s decision to increase international passport fees by 100 percent, a policy that took effect on September 1, 2025.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had announced the upward review on August 28, citing the need to sustain the enhanced e-passport regime and safeguard the integrity of the document. Under the new rates, applications made in Nigeria now cost ₦100,000 for a 32-page booklet with five years’ validity and ₦200,000 for a 64-page booklet with 10 years’ validity. For Nigerians in the diaspora, fees are set at $150 and $230 respectively.
While some Nigerians acknowledged improvements in passport processing speed, others condemned the hike as an unnecessary burden amid harsh economic realities.
Aisha Musa, a trader applying for her first passport, described the ₦100,000 fee as “simply crushing,” saying many market women could not afford it. Similarly, student Toluwani Johnson called the increment “another barrier for young people,” warning it could derail academic and travel opportunities abroad.
Travel consultant Success Daniel admitted that online bookings had improved, but urged authorities to match higher fees with timely service delivery. “Nigerians will not tolerate old delays at double the cost,” he warned.
Some residents also raised concerns about extortion and hidden charges. Civil servant Ngozi Kalu stressed that tighter supervision was needed to eliminate “facilitation fees,” while retired civil servant Adeniyi Adekunle lamented that government seemed more focused on revenue than service.
Responding to criticisms, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assured Nigerians of a major turnaround in passport issuance. He said new reforms would guarantee delivery within one week of enrolment, eliminate racketeering, and improve transparency.
“Our goal is not just faster delivery but quality passports that reflect the integrity and dignity of our nation,” Tunji-Ojo said, adding that a centralised personalisation centre now enables the government to process far more passports within shorter timeframes.
He also announced that Passport Control Officers would no longer have the authority to delay or approve applications, stressing that reforms were designed to “remove human contact to the barest minimum” and restore integrity to Nigeria’s travel documents.