Netizens slam FG over passport fee hike
The Federal Government recently announced a significant increase in passport fees, eliciting strong reactions on social media.A 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity will cost N50,000 under the new pricing structure, which goes into effect on September 1st, 2024. Meanwhile, the 64-page booklet with a 10-year validity will be increased from N70,000 to N100,000.
The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that the fee adjustment aims to improve passport quality, accessibility, processing times, and address rising material and production costs. Furthermore, the increase is intended to help fund the expansion of passport collection centres throughout the country.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians have expressed a wide range of opinions on social media.
Demmy (@Folarin_AS), a social media user on X, expressed his displeasure, pointing out that the passport fee increase will take effect in just 10 days, whereas the minimum wage and reduced tax on food imports will take several months to implement. He bemoaned the fact that these disparities show that the country is not ready for real change.
"So this increment will take effect in 10 days? However, implementation of the minimum wage takes several months. The implementation of a reduced tax on food imports takes several months. "We are not prepared for progress in this country!" his post read.
Another X user, EI Bruzieee @bruzieee, asked, "What exactly does the government provide for citizens?"
"Passports should be free for citizens. "What exactly are we getting from Nigeria's purse?" he tweeted.
Doctuche (@lidocaine_v2) responded to the passport fee increase by suggesting the government use funds generated by the Nigerian Customs Service instead.
Doctuche's post read, "Why not use the billions that Customs generates for this? "Haven't we suffered enough?"
E.J. (@Enwagboso) took to X to express his dissatisfaction with the short notice for the passport price increase, calling it a clear sign of the government's lack of empathy and concern for its citizens. He urged President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Immigration Service to reconsider the pricing strategy, suggesting a complete reversal or at the very least deferring the new fees until January 1, 2025.
"The 10-day notice for the passport price increase demonstrates the government's lack of empathy and consideration for its citizens.
"@officialABAT and @nigimmigration should be aware of this."
"I recommend reviewing the pricing strategy and considering a reversal or, at the very least, a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025," according to his tweet.
De'Otunba GCFRN 1 (@de_generalnoni) criticised the government's decision, calling it yet another misstep. He expressed frustration, accusing the authorities of being disconnected from the poor's struggles and of ignoring the people's voices.
De'Otunba GCFRN 1 read, "Another bad decision by this government; they keep acting as if they don't care about the people! "No connection to the cries of the poor!"
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Immigration Service, announced on Wednesday an increase in passport fees for Nigerians living in the country.
A 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity would cost N35,000 to N50,000, whereas a 64-page booklet with a 10-year validity would cost N70,000 to N100,000. This change is intended to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.
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