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Nigerians React as Passport Fees Skyrocket to ₦100,000 Under Tinubu’s Administration

Nigerians are expressing outrage following the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) announcement of a significant increase in passport application fees, effective September 1, 2025. The new fees are set at ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity and ₦200,000 for a 64-page passport with a ten-year validity [1] .

Comparing Past Administrations

Citizens have been quick to draw comparisons between the current administration and previous ones:

• Under Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015):
• Minimum Wage: ₦18,000
• International Passport: ₦7,000
• Under Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023):
• Minimum Wage: ₦30,000
• International Passport: ₦25,000
• Under Bola Tinubu (2023–present):
• Minimum Wage: ₦70,000
• International Passport: ₦100,000

While the minimum wage has more than doubled under President Tinubu, the passport fee has seen a fourfold increase compared to the Jonathan era.

Public Outcry

The steep hike has led to widespread criticism on social media and other platforms. Many Nigerians question the rationale behind such a significant increase, especially when juxtaposed with the country’s economic challenges. Some have sarcastically asked, “Did Jonathan and Buhari print their passports in their father’s parlour?”

Peter Obi, a prominent political figure, described the increase as evidence of the government’s disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians [2] .

Government’s Justification

The Federal Government, through the NIS, defended the fee adjustment, stating that it aims to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring accessibility for citizens [1] . They also noted that the new fees apply only to applications made within Nigeria, with fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remaining unchanged.

📈 Economic Implications

The timing of this fee increase coincides with broader economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, which have led to surging inflation and increased cost of living [3] . Critics argue that such policies disproportionately affect the average Nigerian, effectively nullifying the benefits of the increased minimum wage.

[8/31, 2:29 PM] ChatGPT: For more updates on this and other stories, visit www.selemedia.org.
[8/31, 2:29 PM] ChatGPT: Citations:

1. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/just-in-immigration-hikes-passport-fees-to-n100000-n200000/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/increase-in-passport-cost-evidence-of-fgs-disconnect-from-nigerians-peter-obi-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/68823a3c23d343187e1805bc49301da4?utm_source=chatgpt.com