KEY POINTS
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Nigeria defends passport price hike as essential for efficiency.
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Government promises faster processing and reduced corruption.
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Centralised facility to secure and protect travel documents.
The Federal Government has defended its decision to raise the cost of Nigerian passports to as high as N200,000, arguing that the move will make the system more efficient, reduce corruption, and ensure timely issuance of travel documents.
Passport price hike sparks debate
Starting September 1, 2025, Nigerians applying locally will pay N100,000 for a 32-page passport and N200,000 for 64-page. Fees for Nigerians abroad will remain fixed at $150 for the 32-page five-year passport and $230 for the 64-page.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo explained the hike is crucial to curb corruption, eliminate long processing delays, and restore public confidence. Speaking at a mid-term performance retreat in Abuja, the minister stressed every applicant should obtain passports within one week.
Centralised system aims to curb corruption
According to Punch, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that a centralised personalisation facility—described as the largest in Africa—will now handle approvals and printing. The centre is expected to speed up processing and eliminate the power previously held by Passport Control Officers, who often delayed applications until bribes were paid.
He noted that the new system would also close loopholes that allowed non-Nigerians to fraudulently obtain passports. “Our passport must remain a true symbol of Nigerian identity,” he said.
The increase follows a similar adjustment in 2024, when fees were nearly doubled. The government insists the latest hike is necessary to sustain quality and keep pace with rising demand.
