Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has faulted the federal government over the recent increase in international passport fees, describing the move as insensitive to the economic plight of Nigerians.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the new rates last week, raising the cost of a 32-page booklet to ₦100,000 and a 64-page booklet to ₦200,000.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X page, Obi said the decision reflects a growing disconnection between the government and citizens. He described the charges as “outrageous” and “burdensome,” noting that this is the third increase in two years.
“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,” Obi wrote.
He argued that instead of addressing economic hardship, the government was further weighing down ordinary citizens.
The adjustment comes less than a year after the last review in August 2024, when fees for the 32-page passport rose from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, while the 64-page booklet doubled from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
Obi’s comments add to mounting public criticism of the hike, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s decision to raise the cost of essential documents amid inflation and stagnant wages.
