Nigerians are reacting negatively to the announcement of increased fees for Nigerian passports.
The Nigeria Immigration Service announced on Wednesday night, August 21, that the ees for the various categories of the Nigerian passport would go up owing to an increment in the price of printing the document.
The statement released by the service said a 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only; while a 64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) only.
The fees remain unchanged in Diaspora.
Many Nigerians have since taken to social media platforms to criticise the move.
Many opined that this increment would add to the inflationary trend being recorded in the country, while some noted that it would add to the cost of doing business, especially for companies where their employees travel a lot.
Ibukun Aluko, tweeting with @ibksports, wrote: “Omo, make una pity us na” and added broken heart emojis.”
@bruzieee: “Passport that should be free for citizens. What exactly are we benefiting from Nigeria’s purse?”
@IamEriOluwa: “Oh, three gbosa for Nigeria Immigration!!!
From 25 to 35 to 50, all within a year. You’ve truly outdone yourselves this time!
Let’s all give a round of applause for this stellar move in the middle of an economic crisis.
You’re doing so well. I mean, who needs to consider the cost of living or inflation, right?
This increase certainly won’t deter anyone from leaving; if anything, it might just speed up the process for those dreaming of greener pastures.
This masterstroke will only further cement the notion that the Nigerian government is as sensitive as a rock, completely oblivious to the financial struggles of its citizens.
Keep up the great work, truly, it’s the people’s hardship that really brings out the best in government policy.”
@SegunPeter4916: “I did my passport three years ago, it was less than 25k then. So within a space of 3 years, they have upped the price 3 or more times.”
