It is important to know how to get your Nigerian passport without being overcharged.
Given the growing interest of Nigerians especially those under the “young generation” category, to travel outside the shores of the country either to study or for greener pastures, it’s important to create this content for the purpose of enlightenment and clarity for every Nigerian who may wish to begin the process of passport acquisition.
Recruitmentweb.org.ng has always been on the lookout to make issues bordering on job vacancies, traveling abroad, and scholarships, easy for Nigerians.
Let’s start by stating that the first thing you need to know when applying for a Nigerian international passport is that the official rates for it differ from state.
In states like FCT, Lagos, and Rivers, the official price for a 64-page Nigerian passport with a 10-year validity period is N70,000, while that with five years of validity is N35,000.
The official amount approved by the Federal Government for applicants who want to get the new 32-page passport with a five-year validity period is N25,000 in these two states and the FCT.
The rate is however more affordable in other states of the federation.
In other states, applicants pay N17,000 for the 32-page and N22,000 for the 64-page. They both come with a 5-year validity period, respectively.
Sadly, the ‘Nigerian factor of corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of things like this. The official rates have doubled and sometimes tripled for the average Nigerian applicant.
There are cases where applicants pay as much as N50,000 or more to get a 32-page passport with five years validity period instead of N25,000, while the 64- page passport with 10-year validity is gotten by some for as high as N250,000.
The extra money you pay outside the official rates is pure extortion as they do not go to the government’s purpose.
Corrupt Immigration officials use tactics like “no booklets” and “no networks” etc to compel the unsuspecting public into paying extra to get their passports. Also, there is the issue of those who are in a hurry and willingly pay bribes to expedite their passport process.
The question is; amidst this sad reality, is all hope lost? The answer is No! There is a way one can avoid being overcharged by unscrupulous elements in immigration offices across the country.
One way and the easiest is to apply online at:
https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport
By adopting the online application method you can select your state and the nearest immigration office that you will visit afterward for capture. You can make all payments online thereby eliminating the possibility of extortions.
Thereafter, you will still visit an immigration office for capture. Very important! They will use many ways to make you frustrated so as to give in to their unlawful extortions. But insist, and don’t give in. It’s your right. Defend it.
By following the above process, you will spend less and pay the official rate when going to process your Nigerian international passport.
