In a significant policy update, the Nigeria
Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a 100% increase in passport
application fees for passports processed within the country, effective September
1, 2025. The new fees are as follows:
- ₦100,000 for the 32-page passport
(valid for 5 years)
- ₦200,000 for the 64-page passport
(valid for 10 years)
Nigerian passport
Why the Hike?
According to NIS, the revision aims
to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport. This is
the fourth upward adjustment since the introduction of e-passports,
aligning fee structures with evolving operational and security needs.
Diaspora Fees Intact
Citizens applying from abroad will not
be affected by this change. Fees remain unchanged at:
- $150 for the 32-page passport
- $230 for the 64-page passport
Historical Context: A Steady Climb
This isn’t the first fee revision.
Here's the timeline of changes:
- 2007: 32-page passport started at
₦8,750
- 2011 & 2018: Progressive
increases
- Sept 2024: 32-page passport rose to
₦50,000; 64-page to ₦100,000
Public Sentiment: Mixed Reactions
The fee hike has sparked public
debate. One political figure criticized the move as "anti-people
policy," citing economic hardship among citizens.
On forums like Nairaland, emotional
responses ranged from viewing the fee as excessive to arguments that it remains
reasonable relative to the passport’s value and international equivalents.
What This Means for Nigerians
1. Increased financial burden: Prospective applicants must budget
significantly more.
2. Questions on affordability: With many Nigerians grappling with
the high cost of living, concerns about equitable access to essential documents
are mounting.
3. Potential for inefficiency reduction: Proponents argue that higher
fees could translate into improved processing infrastructure and service
quality.
Looking Ahead: Key Questions
- Will improved revenues translate into faster
processing and better service delivery?
- How will the government ensure that passport
services remain accessible to low-income citizens?
- Will there be proposals or subsidies for vulnerable
groups or bulk applicants such as students?
From September 1, 2025,
Nigerians applying for passports within the country will face significantly
higher fees: ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport and ₦200,000 for a
64-page passport. While authorities frame the hike as necessary for maintaining
document quality, questions about affordability and equitable access persist.
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