Interior Minister Defends 45% Hike in Nigerian Passport Fee

The recent 45% increase in the cost of Nigerian passports has been defended by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who attributed the hike to fluctuations in the naira-to-dollar exchange rate. Speaking during a press conference marking his first year in office in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo explained that the government could no longer afford to subsidize passport fees.

In August 2024, the Nigerian Immigration Service announced an increase in passport costs. A 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity, previously priced at N35,000, now costs N50,000. Meanwhile, a 64-page passport, valid for ten years, was raised from N70,000 to N100,000.

The price hike has drawn criticism from many Nigerians, with some accusing the government of targeting citizens seeking to relocate abroad, a trend commonly referred to as "japa." However, Tunji-Ojo downplayed the backlash, stating that the price adjustment was necessary given the country’s economic challenges.

The minister emphasized that the fee increase only applies to Nigerians living in the country. Nigerians abroad will continue to pay the same price for their passports. He remarked, “The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when you consider the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. If the government were to subsidize anything, I don’t think it should be passports. The increase is just from N35,000 to N50,000 — only about 45 per cent. There has been no increase for Nigerians abroad.”