Government Can’t Subsidize Passports, Says Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that the 45% increase in international passport fees is primarily driven by the fluctuating foreign exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar.
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During a recent media briefing in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the government cannot subsidise passport fees for Nigerians, citing the need for a cost-benefit analysis.
“The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when you consider the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira,”
Tunji-Ojo explained. “If the government were to subsidize anything, I don’t think it should be passports.” He also clarified that the fee hike only applies to Nigerians within the country, with no changes affecting Nigerians abroad [User Question].
The new passport fees, announced by the Nigerian Immigration Service in August 2024, set the price of a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity at N50,000, up from N35,000.
Meanwhile, the 64-page passport booklet with 10-year validity now costs N100,000, previously N70,000 [User Question].
This development comes as Nigeria’s economy continues to face challenges, including a projected marginal decline in inflation and a 3.1% rise in GDP in 2024
The country’s economic growth is expected to be driven by ongoing reforms, recovering oil production, and a proactive policy environment. However, experts warn of potential downside risks, including sustained fiscal debt, elevated interest rates, and foreign exchange liquidity pressures.