A wave of criticism has swept across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram following the Federal Government’s announcement of increased fees for Nigerian Standard Passports. The hike, which becomes effective from September 1, 2024, has sparked outrage among users who decry the move as another burden on the already struggling populace.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the agency responsible for issuing passports, stated that the fee increase was necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the passports. Under the new fee structure, a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will now cost ₦50,000, up from ₦35,000. Meanwhile, a 64-page booklet with a ten-year validity will cost ₦100,000, an increase of ₦30,000 from the previous charge of ₦70,000.
Social media users have expressed their discontent with the increase, highlighting a range of concerns from the impact of economic hardship to allegations of corruption among NIS officials who reportedly demand unofficial fees.
On X.com, user Callme_Wéalth EndSars, tweeting as #Lexyzdoo, lamented, “Online ₦50k, offline ₦100k for 32 pages.” Similarly, Facebook user Taiwo Olaoye criticized the situation, saying, “Without the hiked-up fees, you still have to pay an arm and a leg as bribery for them to do their jobs. That’s why my passport will forever remain expired. It will end up being expired in five years anyway.”
Another Twitter user, Asiwaju Arowopoko, tweeting as #souqueasnaf, questioned the necessity of the increase, stating, “I can bet that some people paid more to get their passports done expressly. If it’s ₦50k and ₦100k for 32 and 64 pages respectively, and we will get it done seamlessly without paying a bribe or extra cost, then it’s ok.”
Shedrach Onyekonwu on Facebook criticized the swift implementation of the fee hike compared to other issues, noting, “It takes just a publication of this nature to announce an upward review of fees to be implemented in 10 days but takes endless meetings to sign new minimum wage with no date in sight for its implementation.”
User CitizenOlu, tweeting as #jagabanolu, expressed frustration, “What kind of rubbish is this policy? In this economy with a ₦70k minimum wage, a passport will now cost ₦50,000! This is a very deliberate policy that shows some elites in power truly must be living in a different reality!”
Criticism also came from E.J on X, who suggested delaying the fee increase, writing, “The 10-day notice for the passport price increase is an example of the government’s lack of empathy and consideration for its citizens. #officialABAT and #nigimmigration should know this. I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.”
Additional comments on Instagram and Facebook echoed similar sentiments. User Celestine Uzodike described the fee hike as part of a broader pattern of exploitation, stating, “Every agency is in a hurry to extort the masses at this crucial period. Very insensitive Govt.” Emecheta David questioned the justification for the increase, asking, “So to maintain the integrity of the passport, you’ll increase the price? Which integrity does the Nigerian passport possess that you are maintaining?”
An Instagram user, #l_ayk_an, remarked on the broader implications of the policy, saying, “Making japa expensive but yet making Nigeria worse and unlivable.” Another user, #officialcollinzo, humorously warned of future costs, “Very soon to breathe for this Nigeria go be 1k per 1hr.”
According to the Henley Passport Index, the Nigerian passport is ranked 92nd out of 199 passports globally, reflecting the challenges its holders face in international travel freedom. The recent fee increase has further fueled concerns about the affordability and accessibility of essential services in Nigeria.
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