The recent announcement by the Nigeria Immigration Service to raise the cost of international passports has triggered widespread anger across the country, with many citizens accusing the government of worsening economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The hike, which marks the second increase in two years, has sparked outrage on social media, where frustrated Nigerians described the move as unfair and insensitive. With the national minimum wage still pegged at N70,000, many citizens argue that the soaring passport fees are now out of reach for ordinary people struggling to meet daily needs.
Government officials defended the increase, claiming it is necessary to enhance the quality and security features of Nigerian passports. However, this justification has done little to calm public anger, as thousands of Nigerians online expressed disbelief at yet another rise in essential costs.
On X (formerly Twitter), users vented their frustration. One user, @Bil_Oc, questioned why agents abroad continue to demand extra payments for passports while accusing the government of “making life harder for citizens.” Another, @Telvintim, compared the sharp rise from N17,000 in 2023 to the new rates and blasted Tinubu’s government for failing to improve citizens’ welfare despite higher fees.
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Some commentators went further, suggesting that the government sees citizenship only as a revenue stream. “Why should we pay for a Nigerian passport when the voter’s card is free? Politicians make voter cards free because they benefit from it. This government has no regard for its people,” wrote @ChisomMban89.
Others lamented the endless cycle of price hikes. “If it’s not food, it’s fuel, flights, or now passports. Every day it’s something new. This government is a joke,” complained @theruppyfunds.
The uproar underscores mounting frustration over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. With citizens already grappling with inflation, higher fuel prices, and costly airfares, the latest passport increase has become a symbol of what many see as the government’s failure to protect the people from economic pressures.
