The Nigerian government has recently approved an increase in the fees for the Nigerian passport starting from September 1, 2024. The adjustment in fees is aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport. The fee for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity has been raised from N35,000 to N50,000, while the fee for a 64-page passport with a ten-year validity has increased from N70,000 to N100,000.
This decision comes shortly after Nigeria’s passport was ranked 92nd out of 199 countries on the Henley Passport Index, indicating challenges faced by its citizens in terms of international travel freedom. The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa, with Nigeria falling behind many other nations.
Former Nigerian envoys have expressed concerns over the passport’s declining ranking, emphasizing the need for improvements to restore its dignity. The government has been advised to address negative perceptions surrounding the passport, including issues related to drug trafficking and cybercrime.