By Uzair Adam
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has provided reasons for the recent increase in international passport fees, citing the need to enhance the quality of the passports, ensure faster processing, and improve accessibility.
During a sensitization event in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, NIS Comptroller Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed explained that starting from September 1, applicants within Nigeria will be required to pay ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity period.
This marks an increase from the previous fee of ₦35,000. The fee for a 64-page passport booklet, valid for ten years, will rise to ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.Mr.
Mohammed clarified that the fee hike will not affect applicants living abroad. He emphasized that the new passports feature enhanced durability and quality, meeting international standards.
The inclusion of fingerprints in the new design makes it more secure and difficult to counterfeit compared to the previous version.He urged prospective applicants to apply online or visit NIS offices directly, cautioning against the use of intermediaries to avoid scams.
He also called on religious leaders to educate their followers on the changes and noted that those who apply before the September 1 deadline would still be charged the old rates.
The NIS is extending its awareness campaign to local government areas, beginning with Mubi, and has also taken the sensitization efforts to motor parks and major streets in the state capital.
Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council in Adamawa, Mr. Joel Manzo and Alhaji Aliyu Iya, respectively, expressed their gratitude to the NIS for the enlightenment and pledged to relay the information to their communities.