‘This Govt is obsessed with putting burden on Nigerians’ – Peter Obi reacts as FG increases passport price

The Federal Government has announced a significant increase in the cost of Nigerian international passports, drawing widespread criticism, most notably from former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revealed that new passport application fees will take effect from September 1, 2025. According to NIS spokesperson A.S. Akinlabi, the revised fees apply only to applications submitted within Nigeria.

Under the new fee structure:

• A 32-page booklet with five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000,

• A 64-page booklet with 10-year validity will cost ₦200,000.

Reacting on social media platform , Obi condemned the hike, expressing deep concern over the government’s continued imposition of financial burdens on ordinary Nigerians.

ALSO READ : 

He described the development as a further sign of the administration’s disconnection from the everyday struggles of its citizens.

“The obsession of this administration with putting a burden on the populace is becoming legendary and continues to reveal its apparent disconnect with the people and the suffering,” Obi stated.

He further highlighted the irony in the new pricing, noting that the cost of obtaining a passport now exceeds Nigeria’s recently approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.

“This is the third increase in just two years. In a country where the new minimum wage is only ₦70,000, the cost of a single passport now exceeds a worker’s monthly salary probably the only country in the world to achieve this feat.”

Obi concluded by urging the government to reconsider policies that worsen living conditions for citizens, especially amid widespread economic hardship.

The federal government has not yet issued a formal response to the backlash.