Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has sharply criticized the recent increase in Nigerian passport fees, pointing out that it now exceeds the newly approved minimum wage—a move he describes as deeply insensitive.
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, from September 1, 2025, a 32-page passport (5-year validity) will cost ₦100,000, while a 64-page version (10-year validity) will cost ₦200,000—applicable only to applicants within Nigeria; overseas rates remain at $150 and $230 respectively
Responding on his X account, Obi condemned the hike:
“The obsession of this administration with putting a burden on the populace is becoming legendary and continues to reveal its apparent disconnect with the people and the suffering.”
“…In a country where the new minimum wage is only ₦70,000, the cost of a single passport now exceeds a worker’s monthly salary, probably the only country in the world to achieve this feat.”
Obi lamented that this is the third fee increase in just two years, underscoring the mismatch between the cost of essential documents and average incomes.
On the other hand, the Presidency defended the increase—arguing that the new fees formalize what many Nigerians used to pay in bribes to accelerate passport issuance. According to them, the new system directs money to government coffers instead of private pockets
