A statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service, DCI Kenneth Udo, says the increment is a part of the government’s efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.

He said that based on the review, a 32-page Passport booklet with 5-year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only; while a 64-page Passport booklet with 10-year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) only.

The statement further adds that the fees remain unchanged for Nigerians in Diaspora.

While expressing regrets about any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants; the NIS assured Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.

Under the new fee structure announced by the minister, Nigerian applicants opting for 32-page passports with a five-year validity period will be required to pay N25,000. Meanwhile, those desiring 64-page passports with a 10-year validity period will need to pay N70,000.

Foreign applicants also face updated fees, with a five-year validity period and 32 pages costing $130 and a 10-year validity period with 64 pages priced at $230.

Here are the simple steps to apply for a passport, to apply online, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the online application portal http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.

2. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport” (for new applicants)

3. Enter your NIN and date of birth and complete other required data

4. Upload your passport photograph and other supporting documents.

5. Visit the closest Immigration Office for your biometric capture.

6. Within two weeks, your passport will be ready for collection.

For fresh applicants,

1. You must be a Nigerian

2. You must have NIN

3. Have a passport photograph that meets ICAO standards.

4. Have your documents such as birth certificate, local government certificate of origin, and other documents ready.

To renew your passport:

1. You must have NIN

2. Have an old passport number

3. Have a passport photograph that meets ICAO standards.

4. Have your documents such as birth certificate, local government certificate of origin, and other documents ready.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he stated that the automated system would be operational within a week.

Once implemented, Nigerians will only need to visit immigration centers for fingerprint biometrics, with the ability to handle other application steps from the comfort of their homes.

The minister highlighted the convenience of the new system, stating, “Everything regarding pre-biometrics will be done in the comfort of your homes, including uploading passport photographs and supporting documents.”

The initial target date for the completion of the automated application process was set for December 2023.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of balancing national security and convenience, explaining that despite an earlier plan to go live two weeks ago, some errors were identified during the presentation, leading to a delay for further refinement.

Additionally, the minister disclosed plans to install e-gate systems at international airports across the country by February 2024.

This initiative aims to streamline the entry process for Nigerians, allowing a more seamless experience at immigration checkpoints.

Tunji-Ojo stated, “Once you are a Nigerian coming to Nigeria, you have no business seeing an immigration officer except if you are a person of interest,” he disclosed.

This reform is part of the government’s efforts to streamline and simplify the passport application process.

Tunji-Ojo made this announcement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

He emphasized the need to make the passport application process more convenient and efficient for Nigerians.

Under the proposed reform, individuals applying for passports will be able to fill out their application forms online, make online payments, and complete the entire process electronically.

This change is aimed at reducing the bureaucratic hurdles associated with passport applications.

The minister explained that international best practices for passport application and collection would be implemented to minimize the frustration experienced by Nigerians during the application process.

He highlighted that the only in-person requirement would be biometric capture, and all other necessary details and documents could be submitted through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal.

Tunji-Ojo stated,

“You do not need to go to the passport office to have your picture captured. People apply for American visas, people apply for UK visas, people apply all over the world. Your passport with the required specifications as directed by the NIS will be uploaded on the platform. You upload your passport online, you upload your supporting documents online, so when you go to the immigration office, you spend just like five minutes just to have your biometric captured; that’s all.”

He emphasized that the days of lengthy and inconvenient enrollment procedures at passport offices are over, and Nigerians have the right to experience a seamless and efficient process.

The minister also provided an update on the backlog of passport applications, stating that 204,322 international passports are now ready for collection out of the initial backlog of over 300,000. He urged Nigerians to pick up their uncollected passports.

The ministry is working with the immigration service and vendors to ensure that, starting from next year, international passports are delivered directly to the preferred addresses of Nigerians.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this announcement during a media parley in Abuja.

The event was convened to review his directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to address a backlog of over 204,000 passport applications.

While apologizing for the delay that extended beyond his initial two-week deadline, Tunji-Ojo commended the dedication of NIS officers and personnel who worked tirelessly, including weekends and public holidays, to meet his directive.

The minister emphasized the importance of international passports as a right, contrasting them with visas, which are privileges.

He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to keeping passport application fees stable, despite foreign exchange fluctuations.

Tunji-Ojo stated, “On September 7, we made a promise to sort out the backlogs in two weeks but we made it in three weeks and I sincerely want to apologize to Nigerians for that.

“The Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu is one that matches its words with actions. The issue of passport must be a fight and not a privilege. Visa is a privilege but passport is a right and we are happy that today, we have been able to handle over the rights of Nigerians to them.”

The minister explained that the administration inherited 204,332 enrollment records without issued passports.

After strategic meetings with the NIS and support from service providers, the government increased printing machines to four in passport offices where there were initially two.

The additional machines were provided by service providers at no cost.

Tunji-Ojo praised NIS personnel for working three shifts and 24/7 to clear the backlog and ensure that passport production backlogs are eliminated permanently.

He called on Nigerians to collect their passports and refrain from giving money to unauthorized individuals. He also provided contact information for reporting issues or complaints.

Furthermore, the minister announced plans to allow passport applicants to upload their passport photographs via the immigration portal in the coming months, reducing the need for in-person visits to passport offices.

He assured Nigerians that despite exchange rate fluctuations, passport fees would remain unchanged, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing efficient passport services.

The minister concluded by stating, “As a person, I do not want anybody to go and stay in a passport office for more than 10 minutes.”

Tunji-Ojo made this commitment during a live appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program.

He underscored that addressing the scarcity and delays associated with issuing and renewing passports was crucial in combating corruption within the sector.

Tunji-Ojo expressed his concern that the scarcity and delay in obtaining new passports and renewals have contributed to corruption in the passport issuance sector.

He stressed that after addressing existing backlogs, no Nigerian should have to wait for more than two weeks to receive their passport.

The minister firmly stated that owning a green passport is a right, not a privilege, for every Nigerian. He remarked, “It’s a right and not a privilege; Nigerians want that right to be actually theirs, not by somebody offering you your right.”

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that no Nigerian should endure disrespect due to passport application, highlighting the need for practical solutions to the passport issuance process.

He cited the President’s directive that there should be no excuses in delivering efficient passport services.

In response to this directive, the minister explained that a thorough analysis of the entire passport application process had been conducted, from online form submission to payment, scheduling appointments, biometrics collection, and passport issuance.

He assured that improvements were identified and would be implemented.

Tunji-Ojo further revealed ongoing discussions with service providers and the Nigeria Immigration Service to digitize and decentralize the passport application and renewal process.

The aim is to simplify the system and enable individuals to apply for passports more conveniently, potentially even at post offices or financial institutions.

He concluded by stating that various ideas were under consideration to enhance the passport issuance process, aligning with the goal of achieving efficiency and providing Nigerians with the passport services they deserve.

Addressing a meeting with the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, the Minister reiterated the directive given by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, to ensure full engagement and coordination.

“I am just returning from a meeting with the president. He is not interested in excuses. We must work and deliver. Anyone who cannot help Nigeria to record progress must be kicked out because we can actually be great,” he said.

“Let me know your challenges. I am here to help you solve them. When you solve them and record successes, I am also successful. The time of talks is gone. So, keep your talk. Let us discuss solutions.

“Nigerians should not have to queue endlessly to get passports. No, this must stop. This is not the Nigeria of our dream. I need to know the challenges the agency is facing.

“We must all come together to deploy and invest our expertise to resolve them. Nigerians will take us up on our promises. If we have officers who are not ready for this rigorous process, we will excuse them.”

He reminded the agency heads that the new administration was not interested in usual talks and essay presentations, but actions to deliver value and growth.

He said: “Talks have not taken us anywhere as a nation. We must get it right. The Ministry of Interior is the heart of any nation. I want you to return to your tables and bring up action plans. It is my job to ensure the ministry is working.”

The Minister also underscored the importance of leveraging technology as a means to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the immigration and correctional services.

The minister highlighted that the implementation of advanced technological solutions could significantly reduce delays and streamline the handling of critical challenges.

“Technology has the potential to revolutionize our immigration and correctional systems, making them more agile and responsive. All I care, we need to embrace innovation and find ways to overcome the current challenges that often lead to bottlenecks in our processes. Our country is a great and important country. Let’s live up to expectations.”

He has taken a firm stance to ensure that the frustrating wait for passports comes to an end.

During a meeting with the head of paramilitary organizations under the ministry and other stakeholders, Minister Tunji-Ojo underscored the need to swiftly address the reasons behind the passport processing delays.

He directly instructed the acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wuraola-Adepoju, to take immediate action in resolving these issues.

Addressing the gathering on Tuesday, he conveyed President Buhari’s commitment to usher in significant reforms within the immigration policy and service. He emphasized that Nigerians should not endure prolonged waits for their passports, emphasizing that access to passports is a rightful entitlement.

Minister Tunji-Ojo articulated, “We must collaborate with the Service to eliminate these bottlenecks and make the immigration process more beneficial for the citizens. The immigration service needs to be more efficient and responsive. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

He also highlighted the essential role of technology in bolstering border security efforts. The minister stressed the importance of securing all borders, including land, air, and sea, using technology to complement human efforts effectively.

Minister Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to efficient service delivery extended beyond addressing passport delays. He emphasized the implementation of key performance indicators for staff and heads of paramilitary agencies within the ministry. Setting timelines and establishing accountability mechanisms, he underlined the importance of responsibility in achieving the nation’s goals.

In his closing remarks, he expressed his determination to uphold his performance as the foundation for realizing the “Renewed Hope” agenda, a testament to his dedication to improving governance and the overall well-being of the citizens.

Previously ranked at 100th, the Nigerian passport now stands at 91st out of 199 countries and 227 travel destinations assessed by the index.

The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without requiring a prior visa.

This improved ranking indicates enhanced global access for Nigerian passport holders. However, the number of countries accessible without a visa or through visa-on-arrival programs remains at 46.

While this progress in ranking suggests improved passport strength, it is noted that some countries may have lost their earlier rating, contributing to Nigeria’s upward climb.

As of June 2022, Nigerian passport holders had visa-free access to 25 countries. However, this number increases to 45 destinations when considering visa-on-arrival or e-visa programs.

Despite the advancement, the Nigerian passport still ranks as the least powerful among the 15 countries in the Economic Community of West African States.

The latest rankings reflect positive strides for Nigerian passport holders, signifying increased opportunities for international travel.