The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently addressed concerns surrounding the increase in passport fees, making it clear that subsidizing the cost of passports is not a feasible option.
Many Nigerians have voiced frustration over the recent fee hike, which saw passport costs rise by about 45%. The price of a 32-page passport booklet with a five year validity increased from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, while the 64-page booklet with a ten-year validity was raised from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
During a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi TunjiOjo, explained that the increase was driven by the high exchange rate between the naira and the dollar. He emphasized that the government cannot subsidize passport fees, as passports are personal documents, unlike the National Identity Card, which is issued free to citizens.
Tunji Ojo stressed that the government is not exploiting Nigerians but merely covering the costs of procuring the passport booklets. The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when considering the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira, he explained.
He also pointed out that the price increase does not affect Nigerians living abroad, who have faced separate challenges in obtaining passports. The Minister revealed that automated passport systems will soon be launched in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These systems aim to streamline the passport acquisition process, eliminating the need for Nigerians abroad to make multiple trips to embassies.
Tunji Ojo made it clear that subsidizing passports isn’t a priority for the government. He noted that if subsidies were to be applied to any service, passports wouldn’t be at the top of the list. If the government were to subsidize anything, I don’t think it should be passports. The increase is just from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000 only about 45%. There has been no increase for Nigerians abroad,he remarked.
For Nigerians living overseas, particularly in countries with a high demand for passports like the UK, the Minister reassured that they would soon experience a smoother process. In London, for example, 16,000 Nigerians apply for passports, but the system can currently only handle 200 applications. The new automated system, set to be fully operational by October, aims to solve this issue.
Responding to rumors of a passport booklet shortage, Tunji Ojo confirmed that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) currently has over 80,000 passports in stock. He also added that all previous backlogs had been cleared, and the NIS no longer owes its service providers for printing and supplying the passports.
In conclusion, while the increase in passport fees has caused concern, the government insists it is a necessary adjustment due to economic factors. The improved passport systems set to launch soon will bring relief, especially for Nigerians abroad who have long struggled with the process.