Passport Fee Hike by Nigerian Government Declared Unlawful by Critics

The Nigerian government’s recent increase in passport fees has sparked widespread condemnation, with legal experts, civil society groups, and political figures describing the policy as unlawful, unjust, and insensitive to the country’s economic realities.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) led the criticism, issuing a formal letter to President Bola Tinubu on August 30, 2025, in which it described the hike as “arbitrary, unlawful, unjustified, and excessive.” SERAP demanded that the government reverse the policy within seven days or face legal action.

The group argued that the increment violates provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards, warning that it would deny poor and vulnerable Nigerians access to travel documents.

Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter.

Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a public issues analyst, argued that the Immigration Service and the Minister of Interior lack the legal authority to raise passport fees on their own, stressing that such decisions should come from the National Assembly. He described the increase as an “economic somersault,” calling for legislative intervention to restore fairness and due process.

The backlash has been amplified by social commentators and labour groups. David Adenuga, a Bauchi-based public affairs analyst, condemned the decision as “anti-people,” while the African arm of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) described it as disappointing and angering, urging the President to immediately intervene.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi also criticized the move, noting that the cost of obtaining a passport now surpasses Nigeria’s minimum wage of ₦70,000, a situation he said deepens inequality and worsens the burden on struggling citizens.

Despite the outrage, the government has defended its position. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the increment was necessary to support reforms in passport processing, improve service delivery, and eliminate corruption in the system. He explained that the funds would strengthen infrastructure, including a centralized passport personalization center aimed at ensuring efficiency and reducing extortion.

The controversy over the fee hike has reignited debates about governance, accountability, and citizens’ rights.

With SERAP’s ultimatum to the federal government still active, observers are waiting to see whether the administration will reverse its decision, defend it in court, or push forward despite mounting public opposition.