
Nigerian passport/Lionscrib
Federal Government cites passport quality and integrity as reasons for second major price hike in 12 months
ABUJA – The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Thursday that international passport fees will double for applications made within Nigeria, effective September 1, 2025, marking the second major price increase in less than a year.
Under the new fee structure, a 32-page passport with five-year validity will cost N100,000, up from the current N50,000, while a 64-page passport with 10-year validity will cost N200,000, doubling from the present N100,000.
The announcement was made by ACI AS Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer of the NIS, who emphasized that the new fees apply exclusively to passport applications made within Nigeria’s borders.
Sharp Increase from Previous Years
The latest price adjustment represents a dramatic escalation from historical passport fees in Nigeria. Just over a year ago, in August 2024, the federal government had increased the fees from N35,000 to N50,000 for the 32-page booklet, and from N70,000 to N100,000 for the 64-page version.
This means that within 13 months, the cost of obtaining a 32-page Nigerian passport has increased by 186% – from N35,000 to N100,000. Similarly, the 64-page passport has seen a 186% increase from N70,000 to N200,000.
Diaspora Fees Remain Unchanged
In contrast to the domestic price increases, fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain unchanged. Diaspora applicants will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, 10-year passport.
At current exchange rates, the diaspora fees translate to approximately N150,000 and N230,000 respectively.
Government Justification
The NIS cited the need to maintain “the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport, while ensuring accessibility for citizens” as the primary reason for the fee increase.
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However, the significant price jump has raised questions about accessibility, particularly given Nigeria’s current economic challenges and high inflation rates affecting citizens’ purchasing power.
Impact on Citizens
The new fees represent a substantial financial burden for many Nigerians seeking to obtain or renew their international passports.
For context, the N200,000 required for a 10-year booklet is equivalent to several months of minimum wage in many Nigerian states.
Travel industry experts and civil society groups have expressed concern that the steep fees could limit international travel opportunities for middle and lower-income Nigerians, potentially affecting business, education, and family reunification abroad.
Processing Times and Requirements
Despite the fee increases, standard processing times remain at 4-6 weeks for regular service. The basic requirements for passport application continue to include completed application forms, original birth certificate, national identification number (NIN), and passport photographs meeting international standards.
Applicants are advised to ensure all documentation is complete before submission, as additional fees may apply for corrections or resubmissions.
Looking Ahead
The Nigeria Immigration Service has indicated that the fee structure aims to align with international standards and cover the rising costs of passport production technology and security features.
Citizens planning to apply for or renew their passports are encouraged to submit applications before the September 1 effective date to avoid the higher fees.
The NIS has assured that adequate provisions have been made at all passport offices nationwide to handle the expected surge in applications ahead of the deadline.