Nigerians have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the recent decision by the Federal Government to increase the cost of obtaining a passport by 100%. This move has sparked widespread reactions and has left many citizens feeling pity for the state of affairs in the country.
The announcement of the passport fee hike was made by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, during a press conference in Abuja. He stated that the new fees will take effect from the 1st of August, 2021, and will apply to all categories of passports.
This decision has been met with strong criticism from Nigerians, who are already struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and anger, with some calling it a “heartless” move by the government.
One Twitter user, @NaijaPikin, wrote, “How can the government justify a 100% increase in passport fees when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet? This is unacceptable and shows a lack of empathy for the citizens.”
Others have pointed out that the increase in passport fees will further worsen the already high rate of unemployment in the country. With the new fees, it will now cost an individual ₦70,000 to obtain a 64-page passport, while a 32-page passport will cost ₦35,000.
In addition, the new fees will also affect Nigerians living abroad, as the cost of obtaining a passport at the embassy has also been increased. This has raised concerns among the diaspora community, who rely on their passports for travel and other important documents.
The government has defended the increase, stating that it is necessary to improve the quality of passport production and security features. However, many Nigerians are skeptical about this explanation, as the country has a history of poor service delivery despite high fees.
It is clear that the increase in passport fees has not been well received by Nigerians, who are already struggling with the high cost of living. The government must listen to the cries of its citizens and reconsider this decision, as it will only add to the burden of the people.
In conclusion, the 100% increase in passport fees by the Federal Government has sparked widespread reactions and has left many Nigerians feeling pity for the state of affairs in the country. It is a move that has been met with strong criticism and calls for the government to reconsider.
