Nigerians have kicked against the Federal Government’s decision to increase fees for obtaining Standard Passport, effective from September 1, 2024.

According to the group, Nigerians for Transparency and Accountability, despite the fact that the period between when it was announced and the date its implementation takes effect is short, the new policy is defective and clear show of administrative incompetence on the part of the NIS led by Its Comptroller General,Kemi NanDap.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCI KT Udo, announced on Wednesday, 21st August, that the fees increase will take from 1st September 2024, which is just 10 days.

The NIS spokesperson said in the statement that the Federal Government approved that the 32-page Passport booklet with 5 year validity.

Previously charged at ₦35,000 will now
be ₦50,000, while 64-page Passport booklet with 10 year validity which was ₦70,000 will now be ₦100,000.This amounts to 42.9 per cent increase.while the fee in dispose remains unchanged.we understand she is trying to stop Nigerians from travelling with valid paper due the high cost and appease the diaspora s with the old fee, it is a sabotage at this critical time in the life of the administration and recent protest.

Reacting to the development,the group, Nigerians for Transparency and Accountability, through it’s publicity secretary, noted that the NIS and the Federal Government Clearly have again showed lack of empathy to the plights of Nigerians.

The group said while agreeing with the calls on the Federal Government to review the pricing strategy to ensure that it does not impact negatively on the people,” it is high time Comptroller General,Kemi NanDap is sacked for administrative incompetence and attempts to provoke protest in the country.”

“The 10-day notice for the passport price increase is an example of the government’s lack of empathy and consideration for its citizens.We recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of 1 January 2025.,” he added

“This is insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. The will of Nigerians is being tested by the new passport policy.”The Supervising Minister must also go with her due to administrative concerns and lack of transparency in his administration, President Tinubu should reshuffle cabinet to allow a matured public servant cum politician with much experience to head the Ministry of Interior,while the CG Kemi NANDAP, allow to proceed on retirement on her due date 10/10/2024 having served for 35years with all the lapses of officers under her caught with drugs, extortion and being drunk on duty and foreigners participating in no protest, it is a clear sign of failure and lack of good intentions at work and empathy for Nigerians”