Immigration: Why we increased passport fees

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says the recently announced increase in international passport fees is to enhance quality, faster process and access.

The NIS Comptroller in Adamawa State, Ibrahim Mohammed, stated this at the inauguration of an exercise to sensitise the people of the state on the increase in the fees in Yola, the state capital, on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Mohammed told the gathering that, with effect from September 1, applicants in Nigeria will pay N50,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with five years validity, an increase from the previous N35,000 fee.

He said the 64-page passport booklet with ten years validity will cost N100,000, up from N70,000.

Mohammed added that applicants abroad will not be affected by the upward review.

Justifying the government’s decision, the NIS Comptroller said: “This is a new enhanced passport with better durability and quality, aligning with international standards.

FG increases passport fees to N50,000, N100,000

“It has fingerprints and with that, it is difficult to be faked or tampered with, unlike the old one.”

He advised those intending to acquire or renew their passports to apply online or visit immigration offices.

Mohammed cautioned them against patronising agents to avoid being duped.

He urged religious leaders to sensitise their followers to the development, adding that any applicant before the deadline would be charged the old rate.

He said the service would also extend the awareness to Local Government Areas, starting with Mubi.

Joel Manzo and Aliyu Iya, the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim Council in Adamawa State, respectively, appreciated the NIS for the enlightenment and assured taking down the message to their followers.

The NIS also took the sensitisation to motor parks and major streets in the Adamawa State capital.

The Star