New Rates: A 100% Jump
In a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, ACI A.S. Akinlabi, NIS confirmed that the 32-page passport (5-year validity) will now cost ₦100,000, while the 64-page passport (10-year validity) will be priced at ₦200,000—a straight 100% increase over the rates in place since September 2024.
However, applicants abroad remain unaffected. Nigerians applying from the diaspora will continue paying $150 for the 32-page passport and $230 for the 64-page version.
Why the Hike? NIS Cites Quality and Integrity
According to NIS, the fee adjustment is intended to uphold the “quality and integrity” of Nigerian passports while striving to maintain service accessibility. Nigeria Immigration ServiceTheCable
This rise marks the second increment in just a year. In September 2024, the 32-page passport had risen from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, and the 64-page booklet from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
Socioeconomic Repercussions: Voices of Concern
The steep rise has sparked criticism from various quarters. Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, condemned the development as “a burden on struggling citizens”—especially poignant given that the new minimum wage stands at just ₦70,000, making the 5-year passport cost exceed a month’s earnings.
Context & Broader Developments
- Service Efficiency Enhancements: Under Minister of Interior Tunji-Ojo’s directive in August 2023, NIS cleared over 200,000 pending passport applications, and by mid-2024 began implementing home delivery services—advancements aimed at improving efficiency and access.
- Global Passport Ranking: Nigeria’s passport ranked 88th out of 199 countries on the Henley Passport Index (2025)—its strongest standing in 11 years, highlighting its rising global mobility.
Implications for the Average Nigerian
With the cost of a single passport now exceeding the monthly earnings of many workers, critics argue that this policy deepens inequality, making international travel more exclusive. The hike may discourage migration or even participation in diaspora-related economic activities, which contribute significantly to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves via remittances.
