The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a new upward review of passport application fees, with standard and international categories now costing N100,000 and N200,000 respectively. The decision, according to officials, is part of reforms aimed at improving efficiency, curbing racketeering, and ensuring timely delivery of passports.
Under the new fee structure, a standard 32-page passport with five years’ validity will cost applicants N100,000, while the 64-page option with a 10-year validity period is pegged at N200,000. The NIS explained that the increment is necessary to cover the rising cost of production, strengthen security features, and align with global best practices.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, noted that the reforms are designed to address the persistent challenges applicants face, such as delays, shortages, and exploitation by middlemen. She assured that with the upgraded payment system, applicants will have more transparency in the process, with delivery timelines expected to drop to within one week after successful application.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some welcome the reforms as a step toward efficiency, many have expressed concerns about the affordability of the new fees, given the country’s current economic realities.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to consider flexible payment structures or subsidies for students, low-income earners, and citizens applying for passports strictly for educational or medical purposes.
The NIS maintained that the new pricing policy will be implemented immediately and emphasized its commitment to eliminating corrupt practices in passport issuance.
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