The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has explained the rationale behind the new international passport fee structure set to take effect on September 1.
Recently, the Immigration authorities announced that the fee increase will not impact applicants applying from abroad.
According to the recent announcement, applicants within Nigeria will now pay ₦50,000 for the 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity, an increase from the previous ₦35,000 fee.
Similarly, the 64-page passport booklet with a ten-year validity will cost ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.
It, however, added that applicants abroad will not be affected by this upward review.
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Stressing the increase in the passport fee was in furtherance with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda aimed at building local content, the NIS over the weekend, outlined four major reasons which it described as unavoidable.
It said the reviewed fee serves for the improvement in passport standard and quality, ensuring that the Nigerian passport continues to maintain the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard.
The Service emphasised that the move is to address the cost of materials and production given current realities.
Stressing that the increase in passport fees aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda focused on enhancing local content, the NIS provided four key reasons for the adjustment over the weekend, describing them as unavoidable.
The NIS explained that the revised fees are necessary to improve the standard and quality of the Nigerian passport, ensuring it continues to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
The Service also emphasised that the changes address the rising costs of materials and production in the current economic climate.
“With the new fees, the NIS will create more Passport front offices and biometrics centres, thereby increasing access to our facilities, decongesting the already existing centres, and improving Passport production turnaround time.
“The recent increase in Passport fees would also help the Service actualise its drive for complete domestication of Nigeria Passport booklets,” it added.
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