In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate the ‘Japa’ syndrome, the Federal Government on Thursday announced a 100% increase in the cost of procuring a Nigerian passport while exempting those in the Diaspora.
The Nigerian Immigration Service, (NIS) according to a statement published on its website, says the new fees take effect from September 1, 2025.
The statement, signed by the spokesman of the Service, A.S. Akinlabi unveiling the double increment, said the review is aimed at safeguarding the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that under the new price regime for applications made within Nigeria, the 32-page passport (5-year validity) will now cost ₦100,000 (up from ₦50,000) while the 64-page passport (10-year validity) will now cost ₦200,000 (up from ₦100,000).
Part of the statement read: “The review, which only affects passport application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee threshold for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000.
“Meanwhile, Nigerian passport application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for 32-page with 5-year validity and $230 for 64-page with 10-year validity.”
The NIS restated its commitment to providing quality service while ensuring that passport services remain accessible to all Nigerians.
Recall that the FG had barely a year ago increased by 42.86% the cost of the international travel document, with the 32-page passport increased from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, and the 64-page passport moved from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
The increase in the cost of passport comes at a time Nigerians are suffering untold hardship due to the harsh economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.