The Federal Government has recently announced a significant increase in passport fees, leading to widespread reactions on social media.
Under the new pricing structure, effective September 1st, 2024, the cost of a 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity will rise from N35,000 to N50,000. Meanwhile, the 64-page booklet with a 10-year validity will see an increase from N70,000 to N100,000.
The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that the fee adjustment aims to enhance the quality of passports, improve accessibility, expedite processing times, and address rising costs associated with materials and production. Additionally, the increase is intended to support the expansion of passport collection centers across the country.
As this development unfolds, Nigerians have expressed a wide range of opinions on social media.
A social media user on X named Demmy (@Folarin_AS) voiced his displeasure, pointing out how the passport fee increase is set to take effect in just 10 days, while the implementation of the minimum wage and reduced tax on food imports takes several months. He bemoaned the fact that these disparities indicate that the country is not ready for true change.
“So this increment will take effect in 10 days’ time? But implementation of minimum wage takes several months. Implementation of reduced tax on the importation of food materials takes months. We are not ready for progress in this nation!”, his post read.
Another X user with the name EI Bruzieee @bruzieee stated that what really do citizens benefit from the government?
“Passport that should be free for citizens. What exactly are we benefiting from Nigeria’s purse,” he twitted.
Doctuche (@lidocaine_v2) reacted to the passport fee increase by suggesting the government could use the funds generated from the Nigerian Customs Service instead.
Doctuche post read “Why not use billions the Customs is generating for this? Have we not suffered enough?”
E.J. (@Enwagboso) took to X to express frustration over the short notice for the passport price hike, calling it a clear sign of the government’s lack of empathy and regard for its citizens. He urged President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Immigration Service to rethink the pricing strategy, suggesting either a complete reversal or at least pushing the new fees to January 1, 2025.
“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.
“I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025,” his tweet.
De’Otunba GCFRN 1 (@de_generalnoni) criticized the government’s decision, describing it as yet another misstep. He expressed frustration, accusing the authorities of being disconnected from the struggles of the poor and ignoring the voices of the people.
De’Otunba GCFRN 1 read, “Another wrong decision from this government; They keep acting like they are dèàf to the people! No connection to the cries of the poor!”
The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Immigration Service Wednesday announced an increase in passport fees for Nigerians living within the country.
The price of a 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity would increase from N35,000 to N50,000, while the cost of a 64-page booklet with a 10-year validity will increase from N70,000 to N100,000. This change is intended to preserve the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
