The Federal Government has approved a significant increase in the fees for the Nigerian Standard Passport, effective from September 1, 2024, with approximately a 10-day notice to the citizens.
This decision, announced in a press release by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on August 21, stated that the cost of a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity would rise from N35,000 to N50,000.
![Press Release](https://westafricaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3839-213x300.webp)
Similarly, the fee for the 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity will increase from N70,000 to N100,000.
The NIS noted that the fee hike is part of efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport. However, it was clarified that the fees would remain unchanged for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The fee hike is coming at a time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
Many Nigerians on social media have expressed concern over the 10-day notice period, arguing that it does not provide sufficient time for those needing to renew or obtain a passport before the increase takes effect.
They also argue that such short notice places an undue financial burden on citizens, particularly those who may have been planning to secure or renew their passports under the old rates.
The announcement comes amidst the economic hardship experienced by the citizens, which earlier led to nationwide protests.
Recall the government earlier suspended the implementation of a 0.5 per cent Cybersecurity Levy proposed by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to help fund the National Security Fund after widespread criticism.
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