A coalition of civil society groups has urged Nigerians to back the proposed increase in the Nigeria Immigration Service’s passport processing fee, describing the reform as necessary to modernise the country’s passport system.
The group, under the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development, said the fee review by the NIS and the Federal Ministry of Interior is “not punitive, but rather progressive,” and urged citizens to exercise “patience, understanding and support.”
PUNCH Online reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service on Thursday announced an upward review of the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, barely a year since it was last increased.
Under the new fee thresholds, a 32-page passport with 5-year validity costs N100,000 and 64-page passport with 10-year validity at N200,000.
Defending the hike in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Comrade Ochiaga Judge, and available on Sunday, CCSGND argued that periodic adjustments in administrative charges are standard worldwide and are needed to reflect inflation, fund technological upgrades, and improve service delivery.
It stated, “We recognise that, understandably, any discussion of an upward review of fees may be met with concerns. However, it is important for citizens to appreciate that this reform is not punitive, but rather progressive, and is in line with global realities.
“Across the world, governments constantly adjust administrative charges for services to reflect inflationary trends, technological upgrades, and the demand for more efficient service delivery. Nigeria cannot afford to be an exception if our passport system is to remain credible, accessible, and secure.”
To bolster its case, the CCSGND pointed to previous fee and pricing reforms, including electricity tariff and fuel-pricing adjustments, that, the coalition said, yielded longer-term benefits despite initial public discomfort.
The statement also criticised what it called “desperate politicians and perpetual critics” who, it said, would exploit public concerns for political gain.
“Instead, we must remain focused on the bigger picture, building institutions and systems that work,” the coalition said.
It added, “We therefore call on the Nigerian people to stand with the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service in this necessary reform.
“True patriotism is not just about enjoying the fruits of governance but also about making sacrifices for the sustainability of our national institutions.”
The group pledged to monitor the rollout of the reform closely, saying it would press for transparency so “every additional kobo from this adjustment is judiciously applied towards making passports affordable, accessible, and timely for all citizens.”
