The Nigerian government has once again stirred public debate with its decision to raise the cost of international passports. Beginning September 1, 2025, Nigerians applying for passports within the country will now pay ₦100,000 for a 32-page, 5-year validity passport and ₦200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year validity passport.

The announcement, made by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has sparked a wave of mixed reactions—while the Federal Government insists the move will promote efficiency and curb corruption, many Nigerians see it as an additional burden in already difficult times.

Why the Passport Fee Was Increased

According to the NIS Public Relations Officer, ACI A.S. Akinlabi, the new fees will apply only to passports issued within Nigeria, while costs for Nigerians abroad remain $150 and $230 respectively.

At the Ministry of Interior’s mid-term review in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, defended the increase. He argued that the adjustment was necessary to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s passport system and to ensure quicker processing.

• Efficiency Over Delay: The minister assured that with reforms introduced, “every Nigerian should receive their passport within one week of enrollment.” A new centralized personalization center, said to be the largest in Africa, now guarantees background checks and vetting of applications within 24 hours.
• Curbing Corruption: Before now, Passport Control Officers (PCOs) had wide discretionary powers that often led to exploitation and bribery. Tunji-Ojo explained that these officers have been stripped of such authority, significantly reducing human interference in the process.
• Protecting National Integrity: The minister recalled disturbing incidents where foreigners obtained Nigerian passports illegally, including a Ugandan who reportedly paid $1,000 for the document. By raising fees and tightening systems, he argued, the government aims to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s travel documents.

Public Reactions: Praise, Criticism, and Concerns

The hike, however, has been met with sharp criticism from opposition figures, civil society groups, and economic analysts.

• Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, described the move as “unnecessary and burdensome,” especially at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high inflation and a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
• Civil Rights Groups like HURIWA dismissed the increase as “toxic and unwarranted,” accusing the government of being insensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens.
• Economic Analysts warn of deeper inequality. David Adonri, Vice Chairman of Highcap Securities, stressed that the new fees risk making passports accessible only to the wealthy, while Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network questioned why reforms always translate into more financial burdens on citizens.

The Presidency, however, countered the backlash by insisting that Nigerians were already paying higher sums through backdoor bribes. According to government spokespersons, the new official fees will redirect those funds from corrupt middlemen into legitimate public revenue.

The Bigger Picture

The debate over the ₦100,000 passport fee in Nigeria goes beyond travel documents—it reflects the tension between government reforms and the realities of everyday Nigerians.

While the reforms promise faster issuance, reduced corruption, and stronger passport integrity, the steep price hike raises questions about accessibility, fairness, and timing in a country where millions struggle to meet daily needs.

For some, the increase is a step toward modernization. For others, it is yet another sign of government policies out of touch with the economic realities of its citizens.