Passport Intervention: FG Denies Imposing New Charges On Nigerians In UK
Federal Government clarifies passport fees amid complaints over special intervention exercise and processing difficulties reported by Nigerians.
The Federal Government has denied introducing additional charges for Nigerians applying for international passports in the United Kingdom under the ongoing special passport intervention exercise.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the intervention was designed to provide Nigerians in the UK with additional options for processing their passport applications and was not intended to introduce new fees.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister said applicants were required to pay only the officially approved passport fees.
The fees are $150 for a five-year passport and $230 for a 10-year passport, excluding applicable bank charges.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Nigeria Immigration Service had introduced any other charges beyond the approved fees.
The clarification followed complaints from Nigerians in the UK over difficulties and inconveniences associated with the intervention exercise, including reports of delays at some processing centres.
The special intervention exercise is being conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission to provide passport services closer to Nigerians in different parts of the United Kingdom.
The exercise is scheduled to run in London and Manchester from September 7 to 19, before moving to Aberdeen and Cardiff from September 21 to 26.
Applicants are being attended to for new passport applications, renewals and the resolution of pending applications.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has also reminded applicants that the intervention exercise does not replace its existing digital passport services. Applicants can continue to use the official online application channels, including the contactless biometric passport application system.
Tunji-Ojo said consultations were ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address challenges associated with the intervention and ensure that Nigerians seeking passport services do not continue to experience unnecessary inconvenience.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving passport services for Nigerians both at home and abroad.
He also encouraged eligible Nigerians in the United Kingdom to make use of the available passport-processing options and rely on official government channels for information on fees and application procedures.
The government’s clarification comes amid concerns generated by reports of additional payments being requested in connection with fast-track passport services in the UK.
Sponsored
Related stories
News
FG Seeks Balance Between Workers’ Pay Demands, Fiscal Realities
The Federal Government has called for a balance between workers’ demands for higher salaries and its financial capacity as the Nigeria Labour Congress’ two-week ultimatum approaches its deadline. The government stressed evidence-based wage policies, constructive engagement with labour and sustainable public spending.
News
Soldiers Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover 18 Rustled Cattle in Kebbi
Troops have rescued a 40-year-old kidnap victim and recovered 18 rustled cattle following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, cattle rustling and other security threats in the North-West.
News
Scrap Dealers Challenge Zulum to Prove Alleged ₦3bn Power Line Cable Theft
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has challenged Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to provide verifiable evidence for his allegation that metal scavengers stole electrical cables worth more than ₦3 billion. The association wants details of the project and the alleged theft, warning against blaming the entire industry without evidence.
News
Lagos APC Reaffirms Five Million Vote Target for Tinubu in 2027
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has reaffirmed its target of securing five million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The party plans to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and hold leaders accountable through a polling-unit-based performance strategy.
Comments (0)
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before publishing. Your email is never published.