Passport Fees Hike: Minister Justifies 45% Increase, Promises Simplified Process for Nigerians Abroad
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has defended the recent increase in passport fees, citing the fluctuating exchange rate between the dollar and the naira as the main reason. The hike, which has been met with widespread discontent among Nigerians, saw a 45% increase in the cost of a standard passport booklet.
Addressing a press briefing in Abuja to mark his first year in office, the minister emphasized that the government could not continue to subsidize passport fees for citizens. He explained that the cost-benefit analysis of the fee hike favored the new rates, which have been implemented to reflect the current economic realities.
While many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the increased cost of obtaining a passport, accusing the government of making migration more expensive, Tunji-Ojo reassured that the government was not exploiting citizens but rather covering the actual cost of passport procurement. He pointed out that the price increase affected only those applying for passports within Nigeria, while those living abroad were not affected.
The minister also announced that Nigerians in the diaspora will soon benefit from a more streamlined passport acquisition process. The Nigeria Immigration Service is set to launch an automated system, expected to be fully operational by October, which will enable citizens to apply for passports online and reduce the need for multiple trips to embassy or consulate offices.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the new system would greatly benefit Nigerians living abroad, particularly those in countries with high demand such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For instance, he revealed that over 16,000 Nigerians in London alone apply for passports every year, but the current capacity of the embassy’s system is limited to 200 applications.
Furthermore, the minister announced that all passport backlogs have been cleared, and the Nigeria Immigration Service no longer owes its service providers for printing and supplying passports. The agency now has a stock of around 80,000 passports in various booklets sizes, including 32-page and 64-page options.
The minister’s explanation and promises have aimed to alleviate concerns over the passport fees hike and offer hope to Nigerians abroad who will soon benefit from a more efficient and convenient passport application process.
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