FG Raises Passport Fees to ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 from September 1

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant increase in passport fees, with new charges of ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 set to take effect from September 1, 2025. The development, confirmed by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), marks one of the biggest adjustments in recent years and has sparked strong public debate across the country.

According to the NIS, the new fees will apply to different categories of passports, with standard applications attracting ₦100,000, while premium or expedited services will cost ₦200,000. Authorities explained that the increase was necessary to align with global best practices, enhance service delivery, and reduce the persistent challenges Nigerians face in obtaining travel documents.

The government argued that the increment would help improve infrastructure at passport offices nationwide, expand online processing capacity, and eliminate corruption linked to backdoor applications. Officials also maintained that the new structure would strengthen security features in Nigerian passports, making them more reliable and less prone to forgery or international suspicion.

However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Many Nigerians, particularly students, low-income earners, and families with multiple dependents, have expressed frustration, describing the new fees as unaffordable in the face of economic hardship. Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints, with some citizens calling on the government to reconsider the policy.

Travel agencies and migration experts have also raised concerns about how the new charges could affect Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. They argue that while reforms may be necessary, the sudden jump in costs risks discouraging genuine applicants while creating an opportunity for middlemen to exploit desperate citizens. Some civil society organizations have even warned that the increment could worsen inequality by making international mobility a privilege only for the wealthy.

On the other hand, supporters of the policy insist that the move is long overdue. They argue that Nigeria’s passport fees have remained among the lowest globally despite the rising cost of producing secure documents. Proponents believe that the higher charges will help streamline the application process, cut down delays, and generate revenue that could be reinvested into national development.

The government has appealed for understanding, stressing that the changes will ultimately benefit citizens by ensuring faster processing, improved customer service, and stronger global recognition of Nigerian passports. Immigration officials further assured that measures are being put in place to ease the transition, including public awareness campaigns and better digital platforms for applications.

For now, Nigerians are left weighing the impact of the new fees on their plans, whether for education, business, tourism, or migration. With the September 1 implementation date fast approaching, applicants who have not yet completed their passport processing are rushing to beat the deadline before the higher charges take effect.

The development highlights the broader debate about affordability, governance, and the balance between revenue generation and public service delivery. While the government insists the new fees are essential for modernization and security, the voices of ordinary Nigerians continue to demand consideration of their economic realities.

As the date draws near, all eyes will be on how the policy is implemented and whether it will indeed deliver the efficiency and transparency promised by the Federal Government.