The Federal Government has clarified the official fees for Nigerians applying for or renewing international passports in the United Kingdom, amid complaints over delays and alleged additional charges.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the ongoing special passport intervention in the UK does not attract charges beyond the approved passport fees.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister said applicants are required to pay $150 for a five-year passport and $230 for a 10-year passport, excluding bank charges.
Tunji-Ojo said neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Nigeria Immigration Service had authorised any additional or hidden charges for the passport intervention.
The clarification followed complaints from Nigerians in the UK over difficulties encountered during the passport application and processing exercise.
The minister said the government was working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the operational problems and reduce delays experienced by applicants.
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As part of efforts to make the process easier, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians in the UK to use the newly introduced contactless biometric passport application system.
The system allows applicants to complete biometric passport procedures without going through some of the physical steps associated with the traditional application process.
According to the minister, using the digital option could help applicants avoid unnecessary delays and make passport processing more efficient.
Tunji-Ojo assured affected Nigerians that discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were ongoing to resolve the challenges surrounding the intervention exercise.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
