Peter Obi Condemns Passport Fee Hike As Burden On Struggling Nigerians.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, has sharply criticised the Federal Government’s recent decision to increase international passport fees, labelling it an additional burden on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Thursday, 28 August 2025, that effective from 1 September 2025, a 32-page passport with a five-year validity will cost ₦100,000, while a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will rise to ₦200,000.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Obi described the fee hike as evidence of the government’s “legendary obsession” with imposing financial strain on citizens. He highlighted that the new fees, which mark the third increase in two years, exceed the recently approved national minimum wage of ₦70,000. “In a country where the minimum wage is only ₦70,000, the cost of a single passport now surpasses a worker’s monthly salary, probably the only country in the world to achieve this feat,” Obi stated, calling the policy insensitive and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The new rates apply solely to passport applications within Nigeria, while fees for Nigerians abroad remain at $150 for a 32-page booklet and $230 for a 64-page booklet. Obi argued that the steep increase exacerbates the economic challenges facing citizens, particularly in light of rising inflation and living costs. “Instead of making life easier, this government keeps shifting the burden onto ordinary Nigerians,” he said, urging the administration to reconsider the policy and prioritise measures that alleviate financial pressures.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, defended the hike, stating it is part of reforms to enhance the passport’s integrity, reduce corruption, and streamline processing. He revealed plans for a centralised personalisation centre to expedite applications within seven days, citing instances of misuse, such as a Ugandan woman arrested with a Nigerian passport purchased for $1,000. However, Obi’s critique resonates with public frustration, as many Nigerians view the new fees as unaffordable, particularly for low-income workers.
Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with critics like Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, challenging his claim that passport costs have never exceeded the minimum wage historically. Despite this, Obi’s call for policies that prioritise citizens’ welfare over additional costs has gained traction among those concerned about the rising cost of essential services.
The fee hike comes amidst broader economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which Obi and other opposition figures argue have worsened living conditions. As Nigerians brace for the new passport prices, the government faces growing pressure to balance administrative needs with the economic realities of its citizens.