FG’s Passport Fee Hike Unconstitutional, Discriminatory – SERAP

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has faulted the Federal Government over the recent increase in passport fees, describing the policy as unconstitutional, unlawful, and discriminatory against poor Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the government to immediately reverse the decision announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

According to him, the hike would effectively deny millions of economically disadvantaged Nigerians access to passports, thereby restricting their constitutional rights.

“Millions of disadvantaged Nigerians cannot realistically afford to pay the increased fees,” Oluwadare said. “These Nigerians should not be forced to spend their limited and grossly inadequate income on passport applications instead of their basic living needs.”

SERAP maintained that both the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of the NIS acted unlawfully in raising the fees. The group added that the “unreasonable and disproportionate” hike violates Chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee fundamental objectives, directive principles of state policy, and citizens’ rights.

The organization further warned that the move comes at a time of worsening economic hardship and financial crisis in the country, and would only deepen poverty and exclusion.

Recall that ASABAMETRO had earlier reported that NIS announced that effective September 1, 2025, passport applications in Nigeria would cost, ₦100,000 for the 32-page, five-year validity passport and ₦200,000 for the 64-page, 10-year validity passport

This adjustment comes less than a year after a similar upward review in September 2024, sparking widespread outrage.

SERAP stressed that the new charges are not only unjust but also unconstitutional, warning that citizens unable to pay the fees would be denied the full enjoyment of their rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights treaties ratified by Nigeria.

The group has now urged the Federal Government to reverse the passport fee hike without delay in order to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerians, especially those already burdened by poverty.