Minister of Interior Explains 45% Increase in International Passport Fees

Attributes Hike to Exchange Rate, Says No Subsidy for Passports

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the recent 45% increase in international passport fees was driven by the exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister emphasized that the government cannot subsidize passport fees for Nigerians.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the upward review was necessary due to the rising cost of materials, many of which are sourced internationally. He noted that the new fees reflect a cost-benefit analysis that took into account the current foreign exchange situation.

“The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when you consider the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. If the government were to subsidize anything, I don’t think it should be passports,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He further clarified that the increase did not affect Nigerians living abroad and that the fee hike was limited to residents in the country. The new pricing sees a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity rise from N35,000 to N50,000, while a 64-page booklet with 10-year validity now costs N100,000, up from the previous N70,000.