The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that the recent increase in international passport fees is aimed at enhancing the quality, speed, and accessibility of the passport issuance process.
At an event in Yola on Monday, NIS Comptroller for Adamawa, Ibrahim Mohammed, explained that starting from September 1, 2024, applicants within Nigeria will pay ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with five years of validity, an increase from the previous fee of ₦35,000. The cost for a 64-page passport booklet with ten years of validity will rise to ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.
Mohammed noted that applicants abroad would not be affected by this fee increase. He justified the decision by stating, “This is a new enhanced passport with better durability and quality, aligning with international standards. It has fingerprints, making it difficult to fake or tamper with, unlike the old one.”
He advised those intending to acquire or renew their passports to apply online or visit NIS offices, cautioning against using agents to avoid being duped. Mohammed also urged religious leaders to inform their followers about the changes and mentioned that applicants who apply before September 1 will still be charged the old rates.
The NIS is extending its awareness campaign to Local Government Areas, starting with Mubi, and has already begun sensitization efforts in motor parks and major streets in Adamawa’s state capital. Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council in Adamawa expressed their appreciation for the enlightenment and committed to sharing the information with their communities.