SERAP Demands Reversal of Nigeria’s Soaring Passport Fees: A Deep Dive into the controversy and its Implications
By Maria Petrova, Content Strategist & SEO Expert
Nigeria is facing a fresh wave of public outcry following the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) declaration of dramatically increased passport fees, effective september 1st, 2025. The new pricing – ₦100,000 for a 32-page, 5-year validity passport and ₦200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year validity passport – has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability project (SERAP) leading the charge, demanding an immediate reversal. This isn’t simply a price hike; it’s a complex issue with meaningful implications for Nigerian citizens, their constitutional rights, and the nation’s economic landscape.
Understanding the Context: A Second Increase in Just One Year
This latest adjustment is notably jarring as it comes less than a year after a similar increase in September 2024. this rapid succession of price hikes fuels concerns about the government’s approach too revenue generation and its sensitivity to the economic realities faced by its citizens. The timing is especially critical given Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with inflation, a rising cost of living, and widespread economic hardship.
SERAP’s Strong Stance: A Violation of Fundamental Rights
SERAP, a leading civil society association dedicated to promoting human rights and accountability, has formally requested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. In a strongly worded letter dated August 30th, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argues that the new fees are “arbitrary, unlawful, and a violation of the human rights of citizens.”
The core of SERAP’s argument rests on the following points:
Discriminatory Access: The exorbitant fees effectively deny millions of vulnerable Nigerians access to a fundamental document necessary for travel, education, and economic chance.
Constitutional Conflict: The increase is incompatible with Chapters 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee fundamental rights and outline the directive principles of state policy. Specifically, the right to freedom of movement is directly impacted.
Disproportionate Impact: The financial burden will disproportionately affect those at the bottom of the economic ladder, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Lack of Sensitivity: SERAP directly criticizes Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nandap for failing to adequately consider the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians when approving the new charges.
The Wider Implications: Beyond the Price Tag
The impact of these increased fees extends far beyond the immediate financial burden. Consider these critical consequences:
Diaspora Concerns: A significant number of Nigerians living abroad rely on valid passports to maintain their residency and work permits. This sudden increase could push many into undocumented status, creating a humanitarian crisis and impacting remittance flows – a vital source of foreign exchange for nigeria.
Economic Opportunity: Access to a passport is crucial for business travel, seeking educational opportunities abroad, and participating in the global economy. Restricting access hinders individual and national economic growth.
Passport processing Issues: The price hike is occurring amidst ongoing complaints about the slow and often inefficient passport processing system. Citizens are understandably questioning why fees are increasing without corresponding improvements in service delivery.
Erosion of Trust: Repeated increases in essential service fees without demonstrable improvements in quality erode public trust in government institutions.
Public Reaction and the Call for Lasting Revenue Solutions
The public response has been overwhelmingly negative. Social media platforms are flooded with expressions of anger, frustration, and disbelief. Many are questioning the government’s priorities and demanding more sustainable approaches to revenue generation that don’t disproportionately burden ordinary citizens. The debate highlights a growing demand for transparency and accountability in government spending.
SERAP’s Ultimatum and Potential Legal Action
SERAP has issued a firm ultimatum, threatening legal action if the Federal Government fails to reverse the decision within seven days. “Should the authorities fail to act, we will take all appropriate legal steps to challenge this policy in the interest of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law,” the organization warned. This signals a commitment to vigorously defend the rights of Nigerian citizens and hold the government accountable.
What’s Next? Awaiting Government Response
As of today, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to SERAP’s demand. The