The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has clarified the reasons behind the recent hike in international passport fees, citing improvements in quality, processing speed, and accessibility.
During a public awareness event in Yola, Adamawa, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, the NIS Comptroller, explained that the fee adjustments are aimed at enhancing the overall standard of the passports issued. Starting September 1, the cost for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity will rise to ₦50,000, up from ₦35,000. The 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity will now be ₦100,000, an increase from ₦70,000.
Mohammed emphasized that this fee adjustment will not affect applicants outside Nigeria. He highlighted that the new passport design features improved durability and quality, including advanced fingerprint technology that enhances security and reduces the risk of forgery.
“This is a new enhanced passport with better durability and quality, aligning with international standards... It has fingerprints and with that, it is difficult to be faked or tampered with, unlike the old one”, he said.
He assured that those applying before the deadline would benefit from the old rates and announced that outreach efforts would extend to Local Government Areas, beginning with Mubi.
Mr Joel Manzo and Alhaji Aliyu Iya, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim Council, Adamawa, respectively appreciated NIS for the enlightenment and assured taking down the message to their followers.
NIS has taken the sensitisation to motor parks and major streets in the state capital.
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