The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Tinubu to reverse the new passport fees announced by (NIS). SERAP described the increase by the Nigeria immigration service as arbitrary, unlawful, and a violation of citizens’ human rights.
Last week, NIS announced that Nigerians will pay N100,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity. Similarly, N200,000 will be paid for a 64-page booklet with a ten-year validity starting from September 1, 2025.
Responding to this, SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the hike would deny millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians access to passports. In a letter dated August 30, 2025, the deputy director adds that the decision will unlawfully restrict Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
SERAP emphasized that the new charges are excessive, disproportionate, and incompatible with the 1999 Constitution. Moreover, the organization maintained that the announcement violates fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy.
Furthermore, it warned that the measures would worsen the hardship of citizens struggling with economic challenges. SERAP faulted the General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, for not considering the financial conditions of the citizens before approving the hike.
The organisation threatened legal action should the government fail to reverse the decision within seven days.
CCSGND Backs Reform, Calls for Patience and Support.
A coalition of civil society groups has urged Nigerians to back the proposed increase in passport fees by the NIS. The group, under the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development, described the reform as a necessary decision to modernize the country’s passport system.
Justifying the hike, CCSGND public secretary, Ochiaga Judge, argued that the periodic adjustments are needed to fund technological upgrades and improve service delivery.
Furthermore, he urged citizens to exercise patience, understand and support the new review cost by the immigration authorities.”
