The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a significant increase in the cost of Nigerian passports, with the new rates set to take effect from September 1, 2025.
The fee hike comes just months after the federal government approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, making the cost of obtaining a standard passport more than one month’s salary for many workers.
The revised fees will apply exclusively to passport applications processed within Nigeria.
According to a statement released by NIS Public Relations Officer Akinsola Akinlabi via the Service’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the new charges are as follows:
- 32-page passport (5-year validity): N100,000
- 64-page passport (10-year validity): N200,000
This marks a 100% increase from previous rates N50,000 and N100,000 respectively both of which had already been raised during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Meanwhile, passport application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged, with applicants abroad paying $150 for 32 pages and $230 for 64 pages.
NIS defended the decision, claiming it aims to “uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Passport” and ensure continued efficient service delivery. However, the announcement has triggered sharp backlash from Nigerians, many of whom view the increase as tone-deaf to current economic realities.
Public Reactions:
“An Elitist Move” – David Adonri, Highcap Securities
Adonri criticized the fee hike as a move that makes international passports inaccessible to the average Nigerian. “This is not about discouraging emigration; it’s simply a revenue move that excludes the poor,” he said, warning it may worsen inflation.
“Govt Has Become a Revenue Machine” – Agozie Nwegwu, Oxbourn Consulting
Nwegwu described the fee increase as part of a broader trend of excessive taxation and monetization of essential services. “Every agency now acts like a revenue-generating enterprise, without offering meaningful improvements to citizens’ lives,” he stated.
“No Justification for 100% Hike” – Austin Aigbe, WADEMOS
Aigbe questioned the rationale behind the drastic increase, asking whether production costs had doubled. “This policy is typical of a government that believes higher charges automatically equal higher revenue,” he argued.
“Insensitivity to Citizens’ Plight” – Ejike Nwuba, Renaissanceafrica
Nwuba labeled the increase “callous and unwarranted,” warning that the government appears more focused on extracting money from its citizens than providing relief amid economic hardship.
“A Widening Class Divide” – Funmi Adebowale, Parthian Partners
Adebowale acknowledged the government’s possible economic motives but noted that many Nigerians still can’t meet basic needs. “This will only widen the gap between those who can travel and those who can’t,” she said.
“Those Who Can Will Still Pay” – Amb. Dahiru Suilaman
In contrast, Ambassador Suilaman defended the decision, stating that passport production is costly and that only financially capable Nigerians typically apply for them anyway. “Those determined to travel will pay,” he added.
As Nigerians brace for the impact of this new policy, critics warn that the passport fee hike reflects a deeper disconnect between the government and the everyday struggles of its citizens—raising concerns over rising inequality and what some describe as a growing “economic war against the people.”
