Nigerian Citizens Lament Increased Passport Fees, Calling It an Unnecessary Burden
The recent announcement of increased fees for Nigerian Standard Passports by the Federal Government has sparked widespread criticism and disappointment across various social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), responsible for issuing passports, revealed that the fee hike is set to take effect from September 1, 2024. They justified the increase as necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the passport.
Under the new pricing structure, a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will now cost N50,000, up from the previous N35,000. Similarly, the fee for a 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity has jumped from N70,000 to N100,000. Many Nigerians expressed their frustration online, pointing out the harsh economic realities they already face, including inflation and the general insensitivity of the government to the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Social media users also raised concerns about the corruption within the NIS, with some officials allegedly charging extra, unofficial fees to expedite the process. For instance, a Twitter user, Callme_Wéalth EndSars, noted the discrepancy between online and offline costs, sarcastically stating, “Online 50k, offline 100k for 32 pages.” Similarly, a Facebook user, Taiwo Olaoye, expressed his dismay by saying, “Even without the increased fees, you still have to pay bribes for them to do their jobs. My passport will forever remain expired because of this.”
Others expressed skepticism about whether the fee increase would result in improved services. A Twitter user, Asiwaju Arowopoko, voiced his doubts, saying, “I can bet some people paid more to get their passports done faster. If it’s 50k and 100k for 32 and 64 pages respectively, and we still have to pay bribes, then what’s the point?” Another Facebook user, Shedrach Onyekonwu, criticized the government’s haste in implementing the new fees while dragging its feet on the issue of increasing the national minimum wage.
The dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to just a few comments. Many users highlighted how the increased passport fees reflect the government’s lack of empathy and understanding of the citizens’ plight. For example, an X user, Adewale ‘Damilare, expressed frustration, saying, “You guys are testing our patience with this increase!” Another user, E.J, suggested that the government should delay the implementation of the new fees to 2025, arguing that the current economic conditions do not support such a drastic increase.
Overall, the reaction from Nigerians has been overwhelmingly negative, with many feeling that the government is making life more difficult for its citizens rather than providing solutions to their challenges. The general sentiment is that the increased passport fees are just another example of the government’s disconnect from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians.
