The Federal Government has increases passport fee by 50% while applicants for change of data will pay N30,000. The increase was contained in a circular sent to relevant government agencies at home and abroad. The government also announced the introduction of 64-page passport for frequent travellers.
Daily Trust learnt that the circular was issued on February 17 and signed by Muhammad Babandede, Deputy Comptroller in charge of Operations/Passport. The circular, titled “Passport Reforms” and distributed to ACG Passports, Nigerian Missions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others stated that the minister of Interior has approved the passport reforms.
The 64-page passport is designed for frequent travellers and will cost N20,000. Passport for applicants whose ages fall below 18 years is N8,750 while those between 18-60 years will pay N15,000, an increase of N5,000. Applicants above 60 years will pay N8,500. According to the circular, female applicants who apply for change of name as a result of marriage/divorce or deceased spouse will pay N8,750. While processing fee for request for change of data will cost N30,000.
Minister of interior Abba Moro, according to the circular has directed passport officers across the country to “clear all pending passport application with regard to loss of passport or change of data where payment have already been made latest by 28 February. The circular said all the payments will be made online except the N30,000 processing fee for the change of data which will be made through a dedicated bank account that will be supplied by the service.
The reform does not invalidate the present 32 pages passport. When contacted, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Nigeria Immigration Service Mr CPP Obua, confirmed the story. He said the service will soon begin sensitization campaign to create more awareness.