How Much Is International Passport In Nigeria
Nigerian Passport Fee Increase: New Costs, Reasons, and What It Means for Citizens
The Nigerian Federal Government has announced an increase in passport fees for Nigerians within the country, effective September 1, 2024. This change is aimed at maintaining the quality and security of the Nigerian passport, ensuring it remains a credible identification document that meets international standards.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the revised passport fees, the reasons behind the increase, and how it will impact Nigerians.
Why Has the Nigerian Passport Fee Increased?
The fee adjustment aligns with the government’s objective to preserve the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport. Rising production and issuance costs have driven the need to reassess the pricing structure. With these adjustments, the government aims to ensure that passport standards meet global requirements, providing Nigerian citizens with a reliable and secure travel document.
According to DCI KT Udo, the Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the announcement was made on Wednesday through the official Nigeria Immigration Service account on X (formerly Twitter).
New Passport Fee Structure
Starting September 1, 2024, the fees for Nigerian passports will increase significantly:
- 32-Page Passport Booklet (5-Year Validity):
- Previous Fee: N35,000
- New Fee: N50,000
- 64-Page Passport Booklet (10-Year Validity):
- Previous Fee: N70,000
- New Fee: N100,000
It’s important to note that these changes apply only to Nigerians residing within the country. Passport fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain unchanged under the revised structure.
Official Statement on the Passport Fee Increase
The NIS statement emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining a high standard for the Nigerian passport, despite the fee increase. Here’s an excerpt from the statement:
“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 1st September, 2024. Based on the review, 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) only; while 64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity, which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000), will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) only.”
The NIS acknowledged the potential inconvenience to applicants, emphasizing its commitment to transparent service delivery while assuring Nigerians that the increase will support the sustainability and quality of the passport issuance process.
Improvements in the Nigerian Passport System
The Nigerian passport system has undergone various improvements to streamline processes and reduce delays:
- Clearing Backlogs: In August 2023, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the NIS to clear a backlog of over 200,000 pending passport applications. By October 2023, this backlog was addressed, and citizens were urged to collect their passports from designated centers.
- Passport Home Delivery: In May 2024, the government announced a home delivery option for passports, which began in June 2024. This development allows citizens to receive their passports without visiting immigration offices, aiming to make passport acquisition more accessible and convenient.
Nigeria’s Global Passport Ranking
Despite recent advancements, the Nigerian passport remains limited in its global mobility. The 2024 Henley Passport Index ranked Nigeria 95th, on par with Sudan, reflecting the limited travel access Nigerian passport holders have compared to citizens from other nations. This ranking underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance the credibility and accessibility of the Nigerian passport.
Conclusion: What Nigerians Need to Know
The fee increase effective from September 1, 2024, reflects the government’s commitment to delivering a high-quality passport service. By adjusting the fees, the government seeks to ensure the sustainability of the passport system while addressing the rising costs of production and issuance.
Nigerians are advised to prepare for the new pricing if planning to apply or renew their passports, and to take advantage of the improvements made by the Nigeria Immigration Service to simplify and streamline the passport application process.
Stay informed about any updates on passport fees or new processes by following the Nigeria Immigration Service’s official channels.