A coalition of civil society groups has described the proposed increase in the Nigeria Immigration Service’s passport processing fee as a necessary reform to modernise the country’s passport system.
The group, under the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development, further urged Nigerians to embrace the change, exercise patience, understanding and support without complain.
It added that the fee review by the NIS and the Federal Ministry of Interior is not punitive, but rather progressive.
NEWSMAXNG reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service announced an upward review of the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport moving it from N100,000 to N200,000 barely a year since it was last increased.
The new outlines that a 32-page passport with 5-year validity costs N100,000 and 64-page passport with 10-year validity at N200,000.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Comrade Ochiaga Judge on Sunday, the coalition group backed the proposed hike arguing that periodic adjustments in administrative charges are standard worldwide and are needed to reflect inflation, fund technological upgrades, and improve service delivery.
The statement read in part; “We recognise that, understandably, any discussion of an upward review of fees may be met with concerns. However, it is important for citizens to appreciate that this reform is not punitive, but rather progressive and is in line with global realities.
“Across the world, governments constantly adjust administrative charges for services to reflect inflationary trends, technological upgrades, and the demand for more efficient service delivery. Nigeria cannot afford to be an exception if our passport system is to remain credible, accessible, and secure.”
Highlighting previous fee and pricing reforms, including electricity tariff and fuel-pricing adjustments, that, the coalition said, yielded longer-term benefits despite initial public discomfort, the group criticized critics of politicians whom it described as “desperate”.
According to the group, the said group of critics would exploit public concerns for political gain and so, it urged the general public to disregard them.
It added; “Instead, we must remain focused on the bigger picture, building institutions and systems that work.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian people to stand with the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service in this necessary reform.
“True patriotism is not just about enjoying the fruits of governance but also about making sacrifices for the sustainability of our national institutions.”
It added that it would monitor the reform closely and press for transparency so every additional kobo from this adjustment is judiciously applied towards making passports affordable, accessible, and timely for all citizens.
