JUST-IN: Nigeria Immigration Service raises Passport fees

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a sharp increase in the fees for 32-page five-year and 64-page 10-year passports, effective September 1, 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, the Service’s spokesperson, A.S. Akinlabi, said the new fees represent almost a 100 percent rise compared to the old rates.

A 32-page passport with five-year validity will now cost N100,000, while a 64-page passport with 10-year validity has been pegged at N200,000.

However, passport fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for a 32-page passport with five-year validity and $230 for a 64-page passport with 10-year validity.

According to Akinlabi, the review only applies to applications made within Nigeria, and the Service is committed to balancing quality service with accessibility for all Nigerians.

The increment comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, popularly called the “Japa” trend, fueled by unemployment, insecurity, and limited opportunities. Many Nigerians, especially the youth and middle class, continue to seek better prospects in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and across Europe.

The Nigerian diaspora, which contributes over $20 billion annually to the country’s economy, has become an essential part of national development. Yet, concerns remain about the long-term impact of mass migration on the country’s growth.

Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, previously lamented the phenomenon, describing it as a major loss for Africa. He stressed that Africa must invest in its youth to transform its demographic advantage into prosperity.

“I do not believe the future of our young people lies in Europe, America, or Canada. It should lie in Africa, growing robustly and creating quality jobs for our young people,” Adesina said.