Obi Faults FG Over Passport Fee Hike, Says Burden on Nigerians

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over the recent increase in Nigerian international passport application fees, describing it as an additional burden on citizens already facing economic hardship.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi condemned the decision, calling it insensitive and disconnected from the realities of Nigerians.

“The obsession of this administration with putting a burden on the populace is becoming legendary and continues to reveal its apparent disconnect with the people and their suffering,” Obi said.

The Labour Party flagbearer in the 2023 elections highlighted that the cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport now surpasses the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, a situation he described as unprecedented globally.

According to him, the new fees, ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport and ₦200,000 for a 64-page passport represent the third increase in just two years.

“In a country where the minimum wage is only ₦70,000, the cost of a single passport now exceeds a worker’s monthly salary. Nigeria is probably the only country in the world to achieve this feat,” Obi stated.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had earlier announced that the revised charges will take effect from September 1, 2025. The new fees apply to applications made within Nigeria, while Nigerians abroad will continue to pay $150 for the 32-page booklet and $230 for the 64-page option.

Obi argued that instead of policies that cushion the harsh economy, the government has continued to impose measures that further worsen the plight of ordinary Nigerians.