- On August 21, the federal government approved the upward review of the cost of obtaining the country’s passport.
- The NIS spokesperson has said the increase of the passport fee by the federal government is “part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian standard passport”.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has clarified that the recent adjustment in international passport fees is intended to enhance the quality and efficiency of the process.
At the launch of a public awareness campaign in Yola, Adamawa State, NIS Comptroller Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed explained that the new fees will take effect on September 1.
Mohammed announced that applicants in Nigeria will now pay ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity period, a significant increase from the previous fee of ₦35,000.
Additionally, the cost of a 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity period will rise to ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000, although applicants outside Nigeria will be exempt from the fee increase.
According to Mohammed, the new passport features advanced security features, including biometric data, which make it more secure and difficult to falsify.
He advised applicants to submit their applications online or visit NIS offices directly, warning against engaging with unauthorized agents to avoid potential fraud.
Mohammed also urged religious leaders to inform their followers about the development and noted that applicants who submit their applications before the deadline will still be charged the old fee.
The NIS plans to extend its awareness campaign to local government areas, starting with Mubi, to ensure that the public is informed about the changes.
Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim Council in Adamawa expressed appreciation for the NIS’s efforts to educate the public and promised to share the information with their followers.