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| The Nigerian International Passport |
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a significant increase in the cost of obtaining international passports, a development that is set to affect thousands of Nigerians planning to travel abroad. According to a report by Nairametrics on August 28, 2025, the new fees will take effect from September 1, 2025, marking a dramatic upward adjustment in passport charges across the board.
Under the revised pricing structure, the 32-page passport with a five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000, up from the previous ₦50,000. Similarly, the 64-page passport, valid for ten years, will now attract a fee of ₦200,000, doubling from the previous rate of ₦100,000. This adjustment, the NIS says, is intended to ensure efficient service delivery, sustain operations, and accommodate rising costs associated with passport issuance.
Why the Price Hike?
The NIS explained that the price revision is part of broader efforts to maintain high-quality passport services for Nigerians both at home and abroad. Over the past several years, operational costs have increased due to rising technology, security, and logistics expenses involved in producing secure international passports.
“The adjustment is aimed at sustaining efficient passport issuance and improving service delivery for all applicants,” the Service stated. In other words, the decision is framed as a necessary step to ensure that passports continue to be produced securely and delivered on time, even as costs for materials, staffing, and infrastructure rise.
While the rationale is understandable from an administrative perspective, the move is expected to place an additional financial burden on citizens, particularly those who travel frequently or rely on passports for work, study, or personal reasons.
Implications for Nigerians
The new rates mean that Nigerians applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one will now pay double the previous fee. For many families, students, and business travelers, this represents a substantial increase in travel-related expenses.
For example:
• A student seeking a five-year 32-page passport for academic purposes abroad will now pay ₦100,000 instead of ₦50,000.
• A business executive applying for a ten-year 64-page passport will now pay ₦200,000, compared to the earlier ₦100,000.
The cost escalation may also influence travel planning, particularly for lower-income citizens or those who frequently travel for short-term trips and previously opted for the 32-page option.
Some observers argue that the doubling of passport fees could potentially encourage delays in applications, as applicants may postpone renewals or new applications due to financial constraints. Others suggest that the increase could disproportionately impact young Nigerians seeking to study abroad or secure employment overseas.
Understanding the NIS Justification
The Nigeria Immigration Service maintains that the increase is part of a deliberate policy to enhance service delivery and efficiency. In recent years, the NIS has faced criticism over delays, system failures, and long queues at passport offices across the country. The price hike is therefore positioned as a necessary step to support digital infrastructure improvements, staff training, and more streamlined operations.
Officials argue that modern passport systems are costly, requiring biometric technology, secure printing materials, and compliance with international standards. By increasing fees, the NIS aims to cover these operational costs without compromising on quality or security.
In essence, the Service is asking Nigerians to view the adjustment not merely as a price increase but as an investment in better services and faster processing times.
How the Revision Compares Internationally
To put the increase into perspective, Nigeria’s new passport fees remain relatively moderate compared to some other countries. For instance, in the United States, a standard adult passport can cost over $130 for a ten-year validity, while in the United Kingdom, a ten-year passport is priced at over £100.
However, the doubling of fees overnight is unusual and may feel sudden to many Nigerians who have grown accustomed to a more affordable system over the last decade. Historically, passport fees in Nigeria have risen incrementally, so this sharp adjustment represents a major policy shift.
Preparing for the Change
Citizens planning international travel are advised to factor the new fees into their budgets. Applications submitted before September 1, 2025, are expected to be charged at the current rates, meaning those who apply in the coming weeks may still benefit from the old pricing.
The NIS has encouraged applicants to complete their documentation early and ensure all requirements are in order to avoid delays and unexpected costs. Digital application portals are increasingly being used to facilitate processing, although some travelers continue to rely on physical applications at local passport offices.
It is also worth noting that this price adjustment applies to both new applications and renewals, meaning the financial impact extends to all categories of travelers.
Public Reactions and Perspectives
The news of the fee increase has already generated significant discussion on social media and public forums. While some citizens acknowledge the NIS’s need to cover rising operational costs, others view the doubling of fees as excessive, especially in a country where the majority of citizens earn modest incomes.
For students, young professionals, and families, the new rates could influence decisions on travel for study, work, or leisure. Some critics argue that the government could consider a more gradual increase or introduce subsidies for vulnerable groups to mitigate the economic impact.
Looking Ahead
The Nigeria Immigration Service has positioned this fee adjustment as part of a broader strategy to modernize and improve passport issuance nationwide. By strengthening infrastructure, technology, and service efficiency, the Service hopes to reduce delays, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure that Nigerian passports meet international security standards.
However, the sudden doubling of fees highlights the tension between operational sustainability and public accessibility. As September 1 approaches, citizens and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implementation of these new charges to see whether the promised improvements in service delivery materialize.
Conclusion
In summary, the Nigeria Immigration Service’s decision to double passport fees represents a major policy shift with wide-ranging implications for Nigerian travelers. The five-year 32-page passport will now cost ₦100,000, while the ten-year 64-page passport rises to ₦200,000.
While the NIS emphasizes that the adjustment is intended to improve efficiency and service delivery, the increase poses a financial challenge for many Nigerians, particularly students, young professionals, and families. As the September 1, 2025, deadline approaches, travelers are advised to plan accordingly, apply early, and ensure that all requirements are met to avoid delays and additional costs.
This move signals a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to passport issuance—balancing operational sustainability with accessibility for citizens. Only time will tell whether the price hike achieves its intended goal of more efficient, secure, and reliable passport services across the country.
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