National Leader of Peoples’ Supreme Congress Writes Tinubu, Demands Urgent Reversal of 100% Increment in Nigerian Passport Fees  

National Leader of Peoples’ Supreme Congress Writes Tinubu, Demands Urgent Reversal of 100% Increment in Nigerian Passport Fees

 

 

 

[Open Letter]
Peoples’ Supreme Congress (PSC) National.

Abuja-Nigeria.
August 30, 2025.

His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Abuja, Nigeria.

 

Subject: Urgent Demand for the Unconditional Reversal of the 100% Increment in Nigerian Passport Fees.

 

Dear Mr. President,
We, the Peoples’ Supreme Congress (PSC), a coalition of concerned Nigerian citizens, civil society organizations, and advocates for social justice and economic equity, write this open letter to you with a profound sense of urgency and disappointment. As a body dedicated to upholding the rights and welfare of the Nigerian people, we cannot stand idly by while policies that exacerbate the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians are implemented without regard for their far-reaching consequences.

 

It has come to our attention that the Federal Government, under your administration, has approved a staggering 100% increment in the fees for obtaining or renewing Nigerian passports. This decision, which doubles the cost of an essential document required for international travel, identification, and participation in global opportunities, is not only ill-timed but also deeply insensitive to the prevailing economic realities in our nation. Nigeria is grappling with unprecedented inflation, rising unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis that has pushed millions into poverty. At a time when families are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education, imposing such a burdensome increase on passport fees amounts to an additional tax on mobility and aspiration.

 

The passport is more than just a travel document; it is a gateway to opportunities for education, employment, medical treatment abroad, and family reunification. For many Nigerians, especially the youth who form the backbone of our nation’s future, this fee hike represents a barrier to escaping the cycle of poverty and contributing to national development through remittances and skills acquired overseas. Small business owners, students, and professionals who rely on international engagements will be disproportionately affected, stifling economic growth and innovation at a time when Nigeria desperately needs to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency.

 

Furthermore, this increment raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in governance. What justifications have been provided for this drastic 100% rise? Have impact assessments been conducted to evaluate its effects on vulnerable populations, including low-income earners, rural dwellers, and diaspora Nigerians? We fear that this policy, like others before it, prioritizes revenue generation over the well-being of the people, potentially fueling corruption and inefficiency within the Nigeria Immigration Service. It is unconscionable that in a country where the minimum wage remains inadequate and public services are often substandard, citizens are expected to bear the brunt of fiscal policies that do little to address systemic issues.

 

Mr. President, we demand the immediate and unconditional reversal of this 100% passport fee increment. This is not a request but a call for justice and empathy from a leader who promised renewed hope for all Nigerians.

 

We urge you to:
1) Suspend the Implementation Indefinitely: Halt the fee increase with immediate effect and revert to the previous rates until a comprehensive review involving stakeholders from civil society, labor unions, and affected citizens is conducted.

2) Engage in Dialogue: Convene a national consultation to discuss sustainable ways to fund immigration services without burdening the populace, perhaps through improved efficiency, anti-corruption measures, and alternative revenue streams.

3) Provide Relief Measures: In the interim, introduce subsidies or waivers for vulnerable groups, such as students, the elderly, and low-income families, to ensure equitable access to passports.

Sir, Peoples’ Supreme Congress stands ready to mobilize Nigerians across all divides-ethnic, religious, and political to protest this injustice if our demands are not met. We believe in the power of peaceful advocacy and hope that your administration will heed this call before it escalates into widespread discontent. History will judge leaders not by their intentions but by their actions in alleviating the sufferings of the people.

We await your swift response and action on this matter.

Yours in the service of Nigeria,

Signed:
Comrade. Ikem Anthony Nwanneka, National Leader,
Peoples’ Supreme Congress (PSC)

CC:
The Minister of Interior.
The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service.
The National Assembly.
International Human Rights Organizations.
The Nigerian Media.