Passport Fee Now Higher Than Minimum Wage” – Peter Obi Blasts FG

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the Federal Government over its recent hike in passport application fees, calling it harsh and inconsiderate to citizens already facing economic hardship. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the new charges, effective September 1, 2025, which set the cost of a 32-page passport (5-year validity) at ₦100,000 and a 64-page booklet (10-year validity) at ₦200,000. Nigerians applying abroad will pay $150 and $230 respectively.

Obi Condemns the Hike

Reacting via his official X handle, the Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer lamented that this is the third increment in two years, stressing that the new cost is unrealistic for the average Nigerian worker.

“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 wrote.

He further highlighted the alarming disparity between citizens’ earnings and the rising cost of essential documents:

“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,” he added.

Calls for Immediate Reversal

Obi urged the Federal Government to reconsider the increase, insisting that policies should aim to ease the plight of Nigerians rather than worsen their struggles.

“Instead of making life easier, this government keeps shifting the burden onto ordinary Nigerians. It is alarming that the price of the international passport is higher than what workers earn in a month,” he concluded.