Nigeria Govt Increases International Passport Fee By 50%

The Federal Government has increased passport fee by 50%, while applicants for change of data will pay N30,000.

The information on the increase was contained in the circular titled "Passport Reforms". It has been sent to ACG Passports, Nigerian Missions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant local and foreign government agencies.

According to Daily Trust, the circular was issued on February 17, 2014, and signed by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Operations/Passport Mr. Muhammad Babandede, noting that the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, has approved the passport reforms.

FG has also announced that a 64-page passport for frequent travellers. It will cost N20,000.

Passport for applicants whose ages fall below 18 years is N8,750, while those between 18-60 years will pay N15,000, an increase of N5,000. Applicants above 60 years will pay N8,500.

Female applicants, who apply for change of name as a result of marriage/divorce or deceased spouse, will pay N8,750. While processing fee for request for change of data will cost N30,000.

According to the circular, Passport officers across Nigeria must "clear all pending passport application with regard to loss of passport or change of data where payment have already been made latest by 28 February."

Moreover, all the payments will be made online, except the N30,000 processing fee for the change of data, which will be made through a dedicated bank account that will be supplied by the service.

The changes do not make the present 32 pages passport invalid.

The Public Relation Officer of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Obua, confirmed the story, said that NIS would soon begin sensitization campaign to create more awareness.