The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the recent increase in international passport application fees, describing the hike as unlawful and discriminatory against millions of economically vulnerable Nigerians.
Last week, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that beginning September 1, 2025, passport applications within Nigeria will attract new charges: ₦100,000 for the 32-page, five-year validity passport, and ₦200,000 for the 64-page, 10-year validity passport. This marks the second consecutive hike, following a similar increase implemented on September 1, 2024.
In a letter sent over the weekend and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization argued that the excessive fees amount to a denial of access to essential citizenship documentation for millions of Nigerians, particularly the poor. SERAP also emphasized that the new rates unlawfully restrict Nigerians’ rights under the Constitution and international human rights law.
“The Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of the NIS have a constitutional and legal duty to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations in discharging their functions,” the letter stated.
SERAP further warned that the increase would disproportionately affect those at the bottom of the economic ladder. It stressed the need for a fair balance between revenue generation and protection of citizens’ rights.
In contrast, the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) commended the Federal Government’s decision, urging an end to passport fee subsidies. The group suggested that funds used for subsidizing passport production should instead be directed toward improving inmate welfare at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and enhancing the operational capabilities of the NIS.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Bright Ngolo, the NDRA lauded the Ministry of Interior’s recent efforts in settling over ₦25 billion in legacy debts incurred through passport importation. Ngolo argued that subsidizing dollar-denominated passport production is economically unsustainable.
“We note with satisfaction the Interior Ministry’s work under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in clearing over ₦25 billion in debt left by previous administrations. This highlights the need for prudent resource management,” the statement read.
The NDRA also advocated for a stronger focus on expanding the national identity database via the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and reducing the current rush for international passports.
