Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, has denounced the Federal Government’s decision to increase the cost of obtaining international passports, calling it a harsh and thoughtless move that burdens Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship.
Starting September 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced new passport fees: ₦100,000 for a 32-page, five-year passport, and ₦200,000 for a 64-page, ten-year passport, with Nigerians abroad paying $150 and $230, respectively.
Obi has criticized the government for lacking empathy for its struggling citizens, pointing out that the recent passport fee hike marks the third increase in just two years, making it increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
“The obsession of this administration with putting a burden on the populace is becoming legendary and continues to reveal its apparent disconnect with the people and the suffering,” Obi wrote.
He lamented that the increased passport fees now exceed the country’s new minimum wage of ₦70,000, describing it as a shameful situation where workers have to pay more than their monthly salary for a vital document.
“In a country where the new minimum wage is only ₦70,000, the cost of a single passport now exceeds a worker’s monthly salary, probably the only country in the world to achieve this feat,” he added.
Obi urged the government to immediately reverse the hike, stressing that policies should be tailored towards easing the suffering of citizens rather than worsening their struggles.
“Instead of making life easier, this government keeps shifting the burden onto ordinary Nigerians. It is alarming that the price of the international passport is higher than what workers earn in a month,” he said.
