Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has provided clarity on the decision to raise passport fees by 45%.
The minister spoke during a media briefing held in Abuja on Saturday.
He explained that the increase in passport fees is primarily due to the current foreign exchange rates between the Naira and the dollar.
“The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
He emphasized that if the government were to subsidize any service, it should not be passport fees.
The increase raises the cost of a 32-page passport booklet from N35,000 to N50,000.
Similarly, the 64-page passport, which previously cost N70,000, now stands at N100,000.
Despite concerns about the hike, Tunji-Ojo reassured citizens that the increase does not affect Nigerians living abroad.
He noted that those outside the country continue to pay the same fees as before.
“The government cannot subsidize passport fees for Nigerians,” he said.
This fee adjustment was officially announced by the Nigerian Immigration Service in August 2024.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from the public.
Many Nigerians expressed frustration over the increased costs, especially given the economic challenges facing the country.
Nigeria has been grappling with a volatile economy, and the foreign exchange rate has fluctuated significantly in recent years.
The Naira has lost considerable value against the dollar, impacting various sectors, including travel and tourism.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the increase is necessary to ensure the sustainability of passport services.
He emphasized the importance of having a reliable and efficient passport system for Nigerians.
“Without proper funding, we cannot maintain the quality of services that citizens deserve,” he said.
Many citizens understand the rationale behind the hike but still feel the impact on their finances.
For families planning to travel, the new fees represent a significant expense.
Despite the backlash, the government believes this measure is essential for maintaining passport issuance standards.
The Nigerian Immigration Service has also been working to streamline the application process.
They aim to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery for passport applicants.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted these efforts during the briefing, stating, “We are committed to making the passport application process more efficient.”
