Nigeria's Passport Price Hike Sparks Outrage Over Cost-of-Living Struggles

Nigeria's recent decision to raise passport fees has sparked public outcry, with critics arguing that the move exacerbates financial pressures on citizens amid a cost-of-living crisis. Effective September 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced that the price of a 32-page, five-year passport has increased to ₦100,000, while a 64-page, 10-year passport now costs ₦200,000 for applications submitted within the country [1]. The hike marks the third increase in just two years, following previous adjustments on September 1, 2024 [2].

The government cited the need to maintain the quality and integrity of the passport as the rationale for the increase [2]. According to a statement from the Service's Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, the revision aims to ensure continued service delivery while balancing accessibility [2]. However, the move has been met with sharp criticism, particularly from high-profile figures who argue that the fees are no longer feasible for the average citizen.

ial candidate Peter Obi condemned the hike, calling it an added burden on an already strained populace. He highlighted the disparity between the new fees and the national minimum wage, which stands at ₦70,000 per month [1]. Obi noted that the cost of a passport now exceeds what many Nigerians earn in a single month, a situation he described as “the only country in the world to achieve this feat” [1]. He also emphasized the government’s perceived insensitivity to public suffering and urged for a reconsideration of the policy [1].

The impact of the fee increase is particularly acute for those with limited financial resources, as passport acquisition is often necessary for travel, education, and employment opportunities. The previous increase in 2024 raised fees from ₦35,000 for the 32-page version and ₦70,000 for the 64-page variant [2]. The latest revision has nearly tripled the cost of the 32-page passport and doubled that of the 10-year option [2]. For many, these hikes represent a growing barrier to international mobility and access to essential services.

Notably, the fee increase applies only to applications made within Nigeria, with costs for applicants abroad remaining unchanged at $150 and $230, respectively [1]. This discrepancy has drawn further criticism, with some arguing that it disproportionately affects those without access to international financial systems or expatriate earnings.

The public reaction to the hike underscores a broader trend of dissatisfaction with government policies perceived as increasing financial burdens on citizens. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether officials will respond to calls for reassessment or maintain the current trajectory of price adjustments.

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