“Passport fee now higher than minimum wage” – Peter Obi blasts FG
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the Federal Government over its recent upward review of passport application fees, describing the move as harsh and inconsiderate towards citizens already battling with economic hardship.
Under the revised structure, a 32-page passport with five-year validity will cost ₦100,000, while a 64-page booklet with 10-year validity will go for ₦200,000.
The increase applies to applications within Nigeria, with charges for Nigerians abroad fixed at $150 and $230, respectively.
Reacting in a post on his official X handle, Obi faulted the decision, saying it further highlights the government’s lack of empathy for struggling Nigerians.
“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.
The Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer pointed out that this marks the third hike in passport fees within two years, insisting that the cost has become unrealistic for the average worker.
He expressed dismay at the widening gap 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,” Obi lamented.
The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government to reverse the increase, stressing that policies should be aimed at easing the plight of citizens rather than worsening 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 added.
