ABUJA, Nigeria — A leading rights group has criticised the Federal Government for raising passport fees, calling the move unlawful and unfair to poor Nigerians.
In a statement on Sunday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) described the new fees announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as “arbitrary and discriminatory.”
“Millions of disadvantaged Nigerians cannot realistically afford to pay the increased fees,” said SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare. “They should not be forced to spend their meagre income on passports instead of their basic needs.”
From 1 September 2025, a 32-page passport with five-year validity will cost ₦100,000, while a 64-page, 10-year passport will be ₦200,000. This marks the second increase in less than a year.
SERAP argued that the decision, taken by the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of Immigration, violated chapters 2 and 4 of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights treaties.
“The hike amounts to a denial of citizenship rights and will worsen poverty,” the group warned.
The government has yet to issue a detailed response. However, immigration officials previously defended the increase, saying it reflected production costs and aimed to reduce corruption.
The controversy comes amid Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, with inflation and unemployment pushing millions further into hardship. Critics argue the fee hike may limit mobility for ordinary citizens while creating greater inequality.
