Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced another sharp increase in the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, barely a year after the last hike, deepening concerns for ordinary citizens already battered by economic hardship.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, the new fees—effective 1 September 2025—will apply only to applications processed within Nigeria.
Under the revised rates, the 32-page passport with five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000, up from ₦50,000, while the 64-page passport with 10-year validity has been raised to ₦200,000, double the current ₦100,000 fee.
Applications for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged at $150 (32-page, five-year) and $230 (64-page, 10-year).
Justification and Timing
The Immigration Service explained that the new review was necessary to “maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring accessibility for citizens.”
However, the timing of the hike has raised eyebrows. With inflation at historic highs, unemployment biting, and the cost of living crisis leaving many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, the doubling of passport fees is seen as yet another blow to citizens.
Barely a Year After Last Increase
The move also comes just one year after the Federal Government approved an earlier adjustment in August 2024. That review had lifted the 32-page, five-year booklet from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, and the 64-page, 10-year booklet from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
Many Nigerians had barely adjusted to those increases before being hit with the fresh hike.
Passports as Lifelines
In a country where insecurity, economic uncertainty, and a lack of opportunities have fuelled a mass exodus of professionals, students, and families, the passport is more than a travel document—it is a lifeline.
For thousands of young Nigerians pursuing studies, work opportunities, or even survival abroad, the new costs represent an almost insurmountable barrier. A family of four, for instance, seeking passports under the new regime could now pay as much as ₦400,000 to ₦800,000, excluding visa fees, travel tickets, and other expenses.
This reality underscores the growing desperation among citizens seeking to “japa”—the slang term for relocating abroad—amid what many describe as a shrinking horizon at home.
Implications for Citizens
The review will likely exacerbate frustration with government policy, especially among middle and lower-income families who already view the passport office as one of the most critical touchpoints between the state and citizens.
Analysts warn that the rising cost of passports could widen inequality, restricting international mobility to the wealthy and deepening the sense of exclusion for ordinary Nigerians.
The Broader Question
While the NIS insists that the increment is about sustaining quality, many Nigerians are asking a broader question: in a country where millions are struggling to put food on the table, should access to something as basic as a passport—often a gateway to survival—be priced out of reach for the very citizens who need it most?