From September 1, Nigerians will pay twice as much for international passports after the federal government approved a steep hike, the second in just 13 months.
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), a 32-page passport will now cost ₦100,000 (up from ₦50,000), while the 64-page booklet will rise to ₦200,000 (previously ₦100,000). Minor passports have also doubled, and express processing fees are expected to follow. Nigerians abroad, however, will continue paying $150 and $230 respectively.
Government representatives say the adjustment is needed to address the rising cost of production and requirements from global aviation standards. They also pointed to planned improvements, such as creating additional passport centres. Which they say will lead to shorter wait times, and a possible home delivery service.
But the timing has triggered anger across the country. Inflation is running at 24.5%, food inflation at 33.9%, and wages remain stagnant. For a worker earning ₦30,000 a month, the new ₦100,000 passport equals more than three months’ salary.
Social media hashtags #PassportHike and #TinubuMustGo trended within hours, while labour unions and civic groups condemned the policy as “insensitive” and warned it could shut out young Nigerians hoping to “japa” in search of better opportunities abroad.
Passports are only the latest in a series of rising costs, from fuel and electricity to university tuition and new taxes. That part of stakeholders’ concerns about the compound effect of the higher charges on households.
In response, officials highlight ongoing service improvements, including faster processing times and new digital systems. With passport applications projected to surpass 2 million in 2025, discussions around both costs and reforms are expected to continue.
