Why we increased passport fees – NIS
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that the recent increase in international passport fees is intended to improve quality, speed up processing, and enhance accessibility.
Ibrahim Mohammed, the NIS Comptroller in Adamawa, made this statement on Monday in Yola during the launch of a public awareness campaign about the fee hike.
Mr. Mohammed explained that starting September 1, the fee for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will rise from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000 for applicants within Nigeria.
He said the 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity will cost ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.
Mr. Mohammed, however, added that applicants abroad will not be affected by the fee increase.
Justifying the government’s decision, the Comptroller said: “This is a newly enhanced passport with better durability and quality, aligning with international standards.”
“It has fingerprints, making it difficult to counterfeit or tamper with, unlike the previous version,” he said.
He advised those intending to acquire or renew their passports to apply online or visit NIS offices.
Mr. Mohammed cautioned them against using agents to avoid being scammed.
He urged religious leaders to inform their congregations about the development, adding that applicants who apply before the deadline will be charged the old rate.
He said the service would also extend the awareness campaign to Local Government Areas, starting with Mubi.
Joel Manzo and Alhaji Aliyu Iya, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council of Adamawa, respectively, thanked the NIS for the information and assured that they would disseminate the message to their followers.
The NIS has also carried out the sensitisation campaign in motor parks and major streets in the state capital.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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