The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the recent 45% increase in international passport fees is primarily due to changes in the foreign exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar.
During a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Tunji-Ojo stated that the government is unable to subsidize passport fees for Nigerians. He also noted that the fee hike does not apply to Nigerians living abroad.
"The increase in passport fees is based on a cost-benefit analysis, especially when considering the exchange rate between the dollar and the Naira. If the government were to subsidize any service, it shouldn't be passports," he explained.
The new fees reflect an increase from N35,000 to N50,000 for a 32-page passport valid for five years. Similarly, the cost of a 64-page passport, valid for ten years, has risen from N70,000 to N100,000.
This clarification comes after the Nigerian Immigration Service announced the fee adjustments in August 2024.
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