By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIAN government has officially announced an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport, set to take effect on September 1, 2024.
This decision is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian standard passport.
Kenneth Udo, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), disclosed the details in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
He explained that the revised fees are intended to reflect the value of the services provided while maintaining the high standards of the Nigerian passport, which is recognized worldwide.
According to the NIS, the cost of a 32-page passport booklet, which is valid for five years, will rise from N35,000 to N50,000.
Meanwhile, the 64-page passport booklet, which has a validity of 10 years, will now cost N100,000, up from the previous N70,000.
These new rates will apply to all applicants within Nigeria.
For Nigerians living abroad, the fees for obtaining a passport will remain unchanged.
Also, the NIS emphasized that this decision was made to avoid placing additional financial burdens on Nigerians in the Diaspora, who often face higher costs due to currency exchange rates and other factors.
The NIS acknowledged that the fee increase might cause inconvenience for some prospective applicants.
However, it assured the public that the service remains committed to delivering quality and transparent services.
The agency stressed that the price adjustment is necessary to cover the rising costs of passport production and ensure the continued availability of high-quality passport booklets.
The announcement has sparked discussions among Nigerians, with many expressing concerns over the affordability of the new rates.
Some have argued that the increase is too steep, especially considering the current economic challenges facing the country.
Others, however, see the move as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the Nigerian passport in the face of global security concerns.
Consequently, passport offices across the country may likely expect see a surge in applications as the September 1 deadline approaches, with many citizens likely to rush to obtain passports before the new fees take effect.
The NIS has assured applicants that all passport offices are fully prepared to handle the expected increase in demand and that there will be no compromise on service delivery.
In recent years, the Nigerian government has made several efforts to enhance the security features of its passports.
These measures are aimed at combating passport fraud and ensuring that Nigerian passports meet international standards.
The new fee structure is part of a broader initiative to support these improvements and ensure that the passport remains a reliable travel document for Nigerians.
As the implementation date for the new fees draws near, the NIS has advised all applicants to plan accordingly and ensure that they have the necessary funds to cover the cost of their passport applications.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to providing timely and efficient services to all citizens.
Overall, the increase in passport fees represents a significant change for Nigerians both at home and abroad.
While the new rates may pose a challenge for some, the government and the NIS are standing by their decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport.
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