Dare Babalola
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Sunday called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the recent increase in passport fees by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The civil society group argued that the new fees, which range from N100,000 to N200,000, are arbitrary, unlawful, and excessive.
In a letter to the president, the group stated that the fee hike would disproportionately affect vulnerable Nigerians and restrict their access to citizenship rights, emphasising that the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of the NIS have a legal responsibility to balance the imposition of fees with the safeguarding of citizens’ rights.
The group issued the government a 7-day ultimatum to reverse the decision, failing which they will take legal action to compel compliance.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government, the Minister and Comptroller General to comply with our request in the public interest,” the statement read partly.
