(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s repeated increases in international passport fees, describing the policy as an undue burden on citizens.
Obi pointed out that the cost of a 32-page international passport has now risen to ₦100,000, while the 64-page version is priced at ₦200,000.
This marks the third increase in just two years, highlighting what he calls the administration’s “apparent disconnect” with ordinary Nigerians.
DDM gathered that Obi stressed the disparity between passport costs and workers’ earnings, noting that the new minimum wage in Nigeria is only ₦70,000.
He argued that in effect, the price of a standard passport now exceeds the average monthly salary of a Nigerian worker, a situation he described as “probably unique in the world.”
The former vice-presidential candidate lamented that instead of alleviating the financial pressures on citizens, government policies appear to shift additional costs onto the populace.
Obi emphasised that this recurring increase reflects a concerning trend in which the administration prioritises revenue collection over public welfare.
Obi said, “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 they endure.”
He described the situation as “alarming,” particularly given that a single passport now costs more than what many Nigerians earn in a month.
(DDM) gathered that Obi called for a review of the current policy to align public service charges with the realities of Nigerians’ income levels.
He urged the government to consider the economic hardships faced by workers and ensure that essential services, like travel documentation, remain affordable.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over inflation and the rising cost of living, with citizens increasingly struggling to meet basic needs.
Analysts say such increases in fees for essential documents can exacerbate financial pressure on households and hinder mobility for education, business, and international travel.
Obi concluded by asserting that government policies should prioritize easing citizens’ lives rather than imposing additional financial burdens, stressing the need for transparency, fairness, and public accountability in setting fees for national services.
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