ICYMI: FG hikes Nigerian passport fees
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the Nigerian passport effective from September 1, 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo, on the X handle of the NIS.
The increment, according to the statement, aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
The statement read, “As part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, the Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the passport, effective from September 1, 2024.
“Based on the review, a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity previously charged at N35,000 will now be N50,000 only; while a 64-page passport booklet with 10-year validity which was N70,000 will be N100,000 only.
“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.”
This increment is coming barely two weeks after the Nigerian passport was ranked 92nd out of 199 on the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges its citizens face regarding international travel freedom.
The index, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa, shows Nigeria lagging behind many other nations.
According to its website, the Henley Passport Index, recognised as the authoritative ranking of global passports, is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team.
The fall or improvement in ranking results stems from several factors such as reciprocity, economic and sociopolitical stability, and tourism.
This recent decline in the passport ranking of West Africa’s most populous nation has drawn concerns from several quarters, including former Nigerian envoys.
Reacting to this, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said, “Countries like the Benin Republic and Ghana; do their citizens travel abroad to seek asylum?
“Do they indulge in criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking, etc.? If they do, there will be such an equal ranking. The strength of a passport shows the countries you can visit. So, Nigeria has to do a lot of housekeeping.”
Meanwhile, in its publication on August 8, 2024, titled, ‘Restoring the dignity of Nigeria’s passport,’ PUNCH Editorial Board advised the Nigerian government to “reverse negative perceptions, including its profile as a major entry point for drug traffickers and the prevalence of cybercrime,” among others.
