Passport Fee Hike Sparks Outrage
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urgently called for the Nigerian government to reverse the recently announced 42% increase in passport fees. This demand comes as a response to the new pricing policy introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which the group labels as undemocratic and insensitive to the current economic struggles of Nigerians.
Impact on Citizens Amid Economic Hardships
According to Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of CHSR, the timing of the fee hike is particularly troubling given the ongoing fuel scarcity and escalating cost of living in Nigeria. Omotehinse emphasized that the government should prioritize measures to improve citizens’ welfare and security rather than imposing additional financial burdens. “This is a time for support, not further hardships,” Omotehinse argued, urging an immediate reversion to the previous fee structure.
Details of the Fee Increase
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), under the directive of the federal government, announced that starting from September 1, 2024, the cost for a 32-page standard passport will escalate from N35,000 to N50,000, and a 64-page passport will rise from N70,000 to N100,000. The spokesperson for NIS, DCI K.T. Udo, stated that the increase aims to maintain the quality and integrity of this essential travel document. However, fees for Nigerians residing abroad will remain unchanged.
Public Reaction and Previous Protests
The announcement comes on the heels of the #Endbadgovernance protests, where citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s increasing taxes and policies that have significantly affected their standard of living. The passport fee hike has added to the growing discontent among the populace, sparking debates and discussions across various platforms.
CHSR’s Stance and Future Actions
CHSR stands firm on its stance that the fee increase is unjustified, especially during a period of general economic decline. The organization plans to continue its advocacy by engaging with government officials and mobilizing public support to ensure that the hike is reversed and that the government prioritizes policies that are in the best interest of its citizens.
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