A cross-section of Nigerians has expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s 100 per cent increase in passport fees which took effect on September 1.

They, however, urged transparency on the reasons for the hike and called for quicker reforms to address lingering service challenges at passport offices.

The Nigeria Immigration Service on Thursday, August 28 announced the upward review of passport fees, and the need to sustain the new enhanced e-passport regime.

The NIS said the review was to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport, adding that with the new rates, applications made in Nigeria would now cost N100,000 for a 32-page booklet with five-year validity.

Applications made in Nigeria for a 64-page booklet with 10 years validity would cost N200, 000.

Applications made by Nigerians in the diaspora remain $150 for a 32-page booklet with five-year validity and $230 for a 64-page booklet with 10-year validity.

Residents, in separate interviews in Abuja differed on the policy.

A small-scale trader applying for a first-time passport, Aisha Musa, said that the N100,000 charge for the 32-page, five-year booklet was “simply crushing.”

She said, “How many market women can produce N100,000 just to get a passport? The government says it wants quality, but it must also think of struggling families.’’

A student of the University of Abuja, Toluwani Johnson, described the hike as “another barrier for young people.

She said that many young people saved for the old N50,000, adding that doubling it would make study abroad or holiday trips harder.

According to her, she needs a passport for postgraduate admission abroad and saving N100,000, including transport and other travel documents, is hard.

“Many students like me, may postpone their dreams. This is sad and disheartening,” she stated.

A travel consultant, Success Daniel, admitted that turnaround time for passport processing had improved but warned against complacency.

“I got an appointment online within 48 hours. If I collect it in under two weeks, I might accept the new cost. But Nigerians will not tolerate the old delays at double price,” he said.

Another travel agent, Abdullahi Adamu, who helped clients process visas and other travel documents, said that the review was expected, given recent reforms.

Mr Adamu said that the technology and security upgrades cost money but must deliver results, stating that the government must make sure the system works.

He stated, “No failed networks, no louts, no endless waiting.’’

An engineer and car dealer, Benson Eze, said that speed of processing, not cost, remained a major worry and concern, explaining that many applicants valued certainty over repeated visits.

According to him, if he can apply online, capture once and collect in seven days, he will accept it, noting that the issue has always been delays and extra charges.

He said, “The NIS and the Ministry of Interior need to do better in their service delivery. If not, this increment will amount to nothing but mere discomfort on the people,” he emphasised.

Also, a civil servant renewing her booklet, Ngozi Kalu, expressed concern over “hidden” payments.

She, however, urged tighter supervision of front-desk staff, adding that many residents still fear unofficial payments even when receipts were issued.

She said, “Even now, some officers whisper about facilitation money. If we are paying so much, we must see total automation and zero extortion.”

A retired civil servant, Adeniyi Adekunle, also lamented the lengthy process of securing a passport.

He stressed that “a responsible government should not only chase revenue but also deliver on its promises.”

In response to such concerns, the Federal Government had pledged a major turnaround in passport issuance.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that, following sweeping reforms, Nigerians would now receive their passports within one week of enrolment.

He stated, “Every Nigerian should have their passport in hand without unnecessary delay. Our goal is not just faster delivery but quality passports that reflect the integrity and dignity of our nation.’’.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said that the new system was designed to eliminate long delays and extortion that once forced citizens to wait six months to seven months and pay excessively for fast-track processing.

He also stated that the centralised personalisation centre would ensure faster processing and stricter security.

He said, “With this facility, we can print five times more passports than we currently need; once you enrol, it doesn’t take us more than 24 hours to vet as printing capacity is no longer our problem.’’

The minister said that Passport Control Officers would no longer have powers to approve or delay passport applications.

He stated, “This reform is aimed at curbing racketeering, eliminating delays and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s travel documents. We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum.’’

(NAN)