Is Nigeria Passport Fees Higher Than African Counterparts?

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a fresh upward review of passport application fees, raising concerns on affordability and government priorities.

Effective September 1, 2025, Nigerians applying within the country will now pay ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity, and ₦200,000 for a 64-page passport with ten-year validity.

This change comes just a year after the last adjustment in September 2024, when the 32-page passport rose from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, and the 64-page option increased from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000. The latest increment has doubled costs in less than 24 months, raising concerns about its impact on ordinary Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the fee for Nigerians in the diaspora remains unchanged at $150 for the 32-page (five years) and $230 for the 64-page (ten years).

The Reason for the Increment

The NIS explained that the review was necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport, which is globally recognized as a security document. Officials highlighted the high cost of production, enhanced security features, and the need to sustain service delivery as factors behind the decision.

The agency also argued that the increment will help reduce pressure on the service’s operations by aligning fees with the realities of passport production and maintenance.

What the Federal Government is Saying

The Federal Government has backed the increment, insisting that the hike is part of broader efforts to reform public service delivery and reduce reliance on subsidies. Government officials maintain that Nigeria cannot continue to operate at a loss when producing international-standard passports.

At the same time, authorities claim that the revised pricing structure will discourage unnecessary passport applications, streamline demand, and ensure better service to genuine applicants. However, critics argue that the move comes at a difficult time when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic challenges.

Comparing Nigeria’s Passport Fees with Global Standards

As passport costs continue to rise in Nigeria, it is important to place the new fees within the context of what citizens in other parts of the world pay. While the Nigerian Immigration Service argues that the adjustment aligns with global realities, a closer look at international standards shows a mixed picture.

United States: First-Time Adult Passport Book (DS-11) costs $165 (₦253,210) with a 10-year validity.

United Kingdom: Adults (16 and over) pay £94.50 (₦194,072) for a standard 34-page passport online (£107 (₦220,909) if applied on paper). For the 54-page frequent traveller passport, the cost is £107.50 online or £120 (₦247,743) via paper application. Validity is 10 years.

Canada: Adult passports cost CAD 120 (₦133,920) for 5 years or CAD 160 (₦178,568) for 10 years.

Germany: An adult passport (24 years and above) is priced at €70 (₦125,335) for 10 years.

From these comparisons, Nigeria’s 10-year passport at ₦200,000 falls within the range of developed countries in terms of absolute figures. However, when adjusted for income levels and purchasing power, it becomes significantly more expensive for the average Nigerian.

How Nigeria Compares with Other African Countries

Looking at Africa, the differences in passport pricing are even more striking. Many African countries charge considerably lower fees, making Nigeria’s new rates among the highest on the continent.

Ghana: A standard passport costs about ₵350 (₦45,000).

Kenya: Ordinary passports are priced at KES 7,550 (₦89,674) for a 34-page booklet, KES 9,550 (₦113,000) for a 50-page booklet, and KES 12,050 (₦143,000) for a 66-page booklet.

South Africa: An ordinary passport costs about R1,200 (₦103,846) for a 32-page booklet and R2,400 (₦207,749) for a 48-page booklet.

Uganda: A 48-page passport with 10-year validity costs UGX 250,000 (₦108,098).

In this regional context, Nigeria’s ₦200,000 charge for a 64-page, 10-year passport ranks as one of the most expensive, coming very close to South Africa’s 48-page option.

While the Nigerian government and the Immigration Service defend the new passport fees as necessary for quality assurance and sustainability, the figures place Nigeria well above most African nations. On the global stage, the prices may seem comparable to those in Western countries, but the disparity in living standards and income levels makes the burden considerably heavier for Nigerians.

The adjustment is therefore likely to remain a contentious issue, with debates focusing on whether the hike will genuinely improve service delivery or further restrict citizens’ access to a fundamental document of national identity.