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• Increases 32 pages to N50k, N100k for 64 pages
• The fees remain unchanged in Diaspora, takes effect from September 1st
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
The Nigerian federal government has announced a significant increase in passport fees, with the cost for a 32-page passport booklet rising from N35,000 to N50,000, and the 64-page booklet jumping from N70,000 to N100,000. This change, effective September 1, 2024, was disclosed by KT Udo, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
KT Udo, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), announced the new passport fees in a statement on Wednesday.
Udo said the increase of the passport fee by the federal government is “part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian standard passport”.
The NIS spokesperson said the 32-page passport booklet with a validity of five years now costs N50,000 from N35,000, while the 64-page booklet with 10-year validity is N100,000 from N70,000.
He added that the increase takes effect on September 1.
“Based on the review, 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only; while 64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) only,” the statement reads.
“However, the fees remain unchanged in Diaspora.
“While the Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants; it assures Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.”
Justification and Objectives
According to Udo, the fee increase is aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of Nigerian passports. The government asserts that the adjustment is necessary to cover rising operational costs and ensure that the passports meet international standards. This rationale is not uncommon, as many countries periodically adjust passport fees to reflect changes in production costs and security features.
Implications for Citizens
For Nigerian citizens, especially those within the country, the fee hike represents a substantial financial burden. The increase could affect many individuals planning to travel or renew their passports, potentially causing a strain on low- and middle-income families. The government’s decision to keep fees unchanged for Nigerians abroad suggests a strategic move to mitigate backlash from the diaspora, where the cost of living is often higher and additional financial strain could be particularly impactful.
Administrative and Economic Impact
From an administrative perspective, the fee increase could potentially streamline operations within the NIS. Higher fees might facilitate enhanced services and technological upgrades that could improve processing times and overall service quality. However, the immediate impact will likely be negative public sentiment, as many may view the hike as a further example of economic pressure on Nigerian citizens.
Economically, the fee adjustment aligns with the broader trend of governments adjusting service fees in response to inflation and other financial pressures. This move could also be interpreted as a response to the depreciating value of the Naira and the rising costs of materials and labor involved in passport production.
Public Reaction and Future Considerations
Public reaction to the increase is expected to be mixed. Critics may argue that such a substantial fee hike exacerbates existing economic challenges and places an undue burden on citizens. There may also be concerns about the effectiveness of the NIS in utilizing the increased funds efficiently.
The NIS’s commitment to “transparency and quality service delivery” will be scrutinized in the coming months. The agency will need to demonstrate that the additional revenue is being used to improve passport services and address any existing deficiencies. Failure to do so could lead to increased frustration and a loss of public trust.
In conclusion, while the fee increase may help the NIS maintain and enhance passport quality, it is crucial for the government to manage the transition effectively and address the concerns of its citizens. Ensuring that the additional funds are used transparently and efficiently will be key to mitigating negative reactions and maintaining public confidence in the service.
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