The Federal Government has officially approved an increase in the fees for Nigerian passports, marking a significant change in the cost structure. This decision, which takes effect from September 1, 2024, was announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and is part of a broader effort to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Kenneth Udo, the spokesperson for the NIS, the new fee schedule will see the cost of the 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity period rise from N35,000 to N50,000. Similarly, the 64-page passport booklet, which offers a ten-year validity, will see its price increase from N70,000 to N100,000.
The NIS highlighted that the fee adjustments were carefully considered and approved by the Federal Government to ensure that the Nigerian passport remains secure, reliable, and in line with international standards. Udo noted that this revision is essential to cover the rising costs associated with producing high-quality passports that are recognized globally.
In addressing the potential impact on the public, Udo emphasized that the NIS is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to the new fee structure. “While the Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants, we assure Nigerians of our unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times,” he stated.
Udo also clarified that the fee structure for passports issued to Nigerians in the diaspora remains unchanged. This decision was made to ensure that Nigerians living abroad do not face additional financial burdens due to the increase.
The NIS spokesperson concluded by encouraging Nigerians to plan accordingly for the new fee structure and to take advantage of the services provided by the NIS to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to delays. He reassured the public that the NIS remains dedicated to providing efficient and reliable services across all its offices nationwide.
This increase marks the first significant adjustment to passport fees in recent years and is expected to reflect the ongoing efforts of the NIS to modernize its operations and maintain the integrity of Nigerian travel documents.
