Fighting Rising Passport and Driving License Costs: An International Perspective

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the prices of passports, driver’s licenses, and other crucial services have risen substantially in the last two years. The government attributes this increase to vital economic reforms designed to enhance the effectiveness of public services, thereby contributing to overall economic growth for everyone.

A lot of people express frustration over the fact that the prices for fundamental goods and vital services have either doubled or even tripled at times, with no indication of improvement on the horizon. Over the past year, various governmental bodies have raised the fees associated with acquiring crucial official paperwork such as international passports, driver’s licenses, car license plates, and modifications to National Identification Number information.

The aim of this initiative is both to underscore the difficulties arising from increased costs for basic services and to outline methods to alleviate the burden on the population. This strategy involves leveraging various comparative viewpoints to improve the effectiveness of governmental policies and rules in addressing issues related to rising expenses for necessities.

These increases are frequently rationalized by governmental bodies as “modifications to account for operating expenses.”

Many argue that these changes are imposing an intolerable strain on ordinary people who are already grappling with flatlined wages, joblessness, and rising prices.

Even with higher charges, applicants encounter lengthy delays and complex procedures, intensifying dissatisfaction amongst individuals who depend on these papers for traveling, financial transactions, and utilizing online services.

Acquiring crucial paperwork like international passports and driver’s licenses has turned exceedingly challenging, with processing periods frequently extending over weeks or even months, regardless of complete payment.

A lot of Nigerians, expressing concerns about the steep expenses associated with acquiring these documents, claimed that certain officials take advantage of the holdups to engage in corrupt practices, giving precedence to those willing to pay more.

A major concern is the rapidly increasing cost of petrol. As of May 2023, the price was N195 for each liter.

By October 2024, it had risen to N1,030, representing an approximately 488 percent increase.

Even though the cost presently fluctuates between ₦910 and ₦930 at NNPC-operated stations, varying by area, this increase has led to a ripple effect on transport costs, food prices, and various vital products and services throughout the nation.

Similarly concerning is the rise in electricity rates. In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission sanctioned a 240 percent escalation for Band A consumers.

This caused electricity rates to skyrocket from ₦68 per kilowatt-hour to ₦225 per kilowatt-hour. The government contends that this increase is essential for better service provision and the long-term viability of the power sector.

Likewise, telecom services have seen price increases as well.

The Nigerian Communications Commission has endorsed a tariff hike of 50 percent following petitions from telecommunications companies citing escalating operating expenses.

The typical call rate went up from ₦11 to ₦16.5 per minute, and the cost for 1GB of data escalated from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25. Additionally, SMS fees were raised from ₦4 to ₦6.

At present, the lowest price for a monthly data plan from leading mobile operators like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile stands at N1,000. This increase has been especially challenging for students, micro-business owners, and online entrepreneurs.

In the transportation industry, the Federal Road Safety Corp., working alongside the Joint Tax Board, has introduced an updated fee schedule for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration plates. This new pricing scheme will come into effect starting June 8, 2025.

The regular number plates for both personal and business vehicles currently cost N30,000, an increase from the former price of N18,750. Premium number plates are now priced at N400,000, which is twice the earlier amount of N200,000.

The cost of license plates for articulated vehicles has gone up from N30,000 to N90,000, whereas the price for motorcycle plates has climbed from N5,000 to N12,000.

The price for acquiring a regular three-year driver’s license has been raised to N15,000 from N10,000, whereas the fee for the five-year version has gone up to N21,000 from N15,000.

Likewise, acquiring or altering a National Identity Number has grown costlier. The National Identity Management Commission raised the charge for updating one’s date of birth information in their database from N16,340 to N28,574, representing a 75 percent increase.

Other types of data alterations, like modifications to names or addresses, now incur a charge of ₦2,000 per transaction, an increase from ₦1,522 previously. The cost for reprinting the NIN slip has also risen to ₦600 from ₦500.

The NIMC states that this price review, which comes after more than ten years, aims to be consistent with present operating expenses and industry benchmarks.

The Nigerian Immigration Service has also increased the price of international passports. A 32-page version valid for five years now costs N50,000, an increase from N35,000, whereas a 64-page edition with a decade-long validity jumped from N70,000 to N100,000.

The immigration service stated officially that this change was essential to uphold the standard and credibility of the Nigerian passport.

This indicates that Nigerians have experienced price surges for vital services and goods, with gasoline prices rocketing by 488 percent, electricity rates escalating by 240 percent, telecommunications fees going up by 50 percent, vehicle license plate expenses spiking as much as 200 percent, NIN update fees growing by up to 75 percent, and international passport charges leaping by more than 42 percent. These consecutive increases have exacerbated the economic pressure on everyday people across the country.

The authorities maintain that these modifications are integral components of comprehensive economic overhauls designed to decrease subsidy burdens and improve service effectiveness.

However, residents noted that the increasing prices of vital services are coinciding with a period where numerous Nigerian employees continue to find it challenging to make ends meet on their current wages.

These rises can be linked to the government’s initiatives aimed at sustaining the quality and integrity of these services, alongside adjustments for present operational expenses and sector benchmarks. Nonetheless, Nigerians have voiced their discontent regarding the escalating cost of living and how these hikes affect their daily lives.

The prices for a passport, driving license, and other crucial services have risen considerably.

When comparing costs over the last two years, we looked into several African nations to gather data on various products and services. Our findings from Ghana, the Republic of Benin, and South Africa are as follows:

In Ghana, the price of an international passport has been lowered. Specifically, the fee for a regular 32-page passport booklet now costs GH¢350 instead of the previous rate of GH¢500.

Driving licenses: For the latest prices, you should get in touch with the Ghana Roads Authority or nearby offices.

For data plan details: Please reach out to your mobile service provider for the most up-to-date pricing and options available.

The Republic of Benin: Regarding international passports, details about passport fees are not easily accessible. For up-to-date pricing information, please reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Benin or their respective consulates.

Driving licenses: Details about driving licenses are not easily accessible. It would be necessary to reach out to the appropriate agencies in Benin for more information.

For information about contemporary data plan choices and costs, reach out to your cellphone company in Benin.

In South Africa, international passports for adults have a standard fee of R600.

Driving licenses: Information regarding the cost of a driving license is not easily accessible. It would be necessary to reach out to the South African Department of Transport for details.

For information about available data plans and their costs, reach out to your cellular service provider.

In Nigeria, regulations significantly influence—and frequently determine—the cost of obtaining a passport. Here’s an explanation:

Authority for Setting Statutory Fees: According to the provisions of the Immigration Act along with the associated Immigration Regulations, the federal government (through the Federal Executive Council) holds sole jurisdiction over determining passport charges. These specified amounts are subsequently published in the official Gazette and implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Any modifications upward or downward necessitate formal endorsement from the topmost tier of leadership.

In August 2024, the federal government sanctioned a significant hike with effect from September 1, 2024.

The 32-page electronic passport (valid for 5 years) increased in price from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000.

The 64-page pamphlet (valid for 10 years) increased in price from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.

This alteration demonstrates how the regulatory process—from the NIS’s proposal, followed by FEC approval, to official publication—directly influences what people end up paying when they make transactions.

The passport charges for Nigerian citizens living overseas continue to be calculated in United States Dollars (for instance, US$ 130 for a 32-page, 5-year passport). These fees are established jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Service. Since these rates are pegged to the USD, fluctuations in the central bank’s exchange rate policies and variations in the market value of the naira may cause the equivalent cost in local currency to vary significantly, despite the fact that the dollar amount remains constant.

In addition to the officially announced fee, NIS has contracted out the tasks of capturing biometrics and processing data to private entities. Although this public-private partnership (PPP) approach improves efficiency, the costs covered under the concession agreement are incorporated into the stated fees. As such, when you pay the N50,000/N100,000, you’re essentially covering both the official charges and the profit margins for these private contractors.

To conclude, despite the Nigerian government attributing the price hikes to maintaining service quality and integrity, along with adjusting for current operational expenses and industry norms, many Nigerians remain frustrated about escalating living costs and how these increases affect their daily lives.

We strongly encourage the government to address these rising interests for the benefit of ordinary citizens. While it’s true that this administration is implementing continuous reforms, our policy makers must take additional steps to protect everyday individuals from adverse impacts.

Outlined beneath is a strategy aimed at tackling the rising expenses associated with passports and related documentation in Nigeria, structured across three main sections:

Reform levers

Clear cost breakdown with supervision

Create comprehensive line-by-line budgets for every individual service such as biometric handling, print support, and transportation activities, guaranteeing clarity in monetary distributions and facilitating simpler monitoring of costs.

Give the Public Procurement Bureau and the National Assembly the power to thoroughly examine the profit margins of concessionaires, with the aim of setting regulations that cap these margins at reasonable levels. This ensures the protection of public interests and prevents unjustifiably high profits.

Conduct yearly thorough “cost-benefit” reviews to assess the correlation between service charges and the genuine operational expenditures made. This requirement will guarantee that the fee frameworks for services stay competitive and aligned with real costs, promoting transparency and effectiveness within public sector activities.

Digital end-to-end processing

Improve the capabilities of the Online Passport Renewal Portal to include first-time applicants by adding functionalities like e-payment methods and the option to upload required documents directly via the system. This enhancement will simplify the application procedure for beginners applying for their initial passports.

Merge the databases from the NIS, NIMC, and FRSC to auto-fill application forms. Connecting these systems will notably minimize repetitive data input, resulting in lower operating expenses for personnel and reduced wait times for applicants. Ensuring critical details are easily accessible will help establish a smoother and more convenient application process.

Means-testing and tiered pricing

Launch a “social tariff” discount scheme offering substantial price cuts between 30 percent and 50 percent below regular rates. This plan will particularly benefit disadvantaged populations such as students furthering their studies, retirees dependent on limited pensions, people earning low incomes who might find standard charges burdensome, and those with disabilities encountering extra hardships. Through this measure, we intend to enhance access and assistance for these vital sections of society.

Keep the complete fee schedule intact for business travelers and frequent “express” service users. The aim here is to establish a subsidy system wherein the elevated charges from this group will compensate for the expenses related to offering reductions to those qualifying for lower rates. Ensuring that corporate clients and heavy-use patrons keep paying at their maximum level allows us to uphold the economic feasibility of our promotional pricing strategies.

Competitive concessions

It is recommended to renew biometric capturing and printing agreements every three to five years. Adopting an open electronic bidding procedure can significantly reduce per-unit expenses.

Furthermore, implementing service-level agreements can guarantee responsibility, entailing consequences such as penalties for any postponements or data security violations.

Legislative “sunset” and evaluation provisions

Revise the Immigration Act so that any increase in fees includes an automatic “sunset” clause after 2 years, which would necessitate renewal by the FEC along with a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly.

This guarantees regular legislative oversight, rather than mere executive authority.

Ghana reduced the cost of the 32-page passport from GH¢500 to GH¢350 by employing a cross-subsidy approach through fees collected from visa processing and mobile money transactions to decrease administrative expenses.

South Africa established a uniform charge of R600 for adult passports and online renewals, with the latter costing just R400 to promote digital engagement. This initiative led to a decrease in physical visits by 30 percent within the initial year.

India launched Aadhaar-integrated services including the “Digital Driving License” application. This tool automates verification processes and eliminates printing expenses, with mobile QR codes being recognized across the country.

In the United Kingdom, the cost for an online passport renewal is £75, whereas applying in-person costs £85, with both options providing a 10-year validity period. This encourages the use of digital applications for extended-use passports, reducing the frequency of renewals and decreasing administrative workload.

Applying these in Nigeria

The cross-subsidy model suggests that Nigeria could impose a minimal additional charge on visas-on-arrival or ECOWAS travel documents (which continue to generate entries). This extra fee would then be used to support regular passport costs, similar to how Ghana manages this issue.

Digitally-focused system: Develop a unified “MyGov.ID” website that manages National Identity Numbers (NIN), passports, driving licenses, and vehicle registrations through one streamlined process. Introduce mobile applications featuring QR code-enabled licenses (similar to those in India) to reduce expenses related to printing and reprinting documents.

Framework for means testing: Utilize NIMC’s wealth index or tax documents to systematically identify qualifying applicants for concessional rates. Issue updated eligibility criteria annually to maintain fairness and transparency within the system.

Competitive bidding and SLA oversight: Conduct a new tender for the NIS contract every three years, requiring transparent dashboards that display live updates of application backlog levels and system availability metrics. Impose financial penalties that reduce payment if the commitment to resolve issues within 48 hours is not fulfilled.

Parliamentary safeguards: Propose an amendment stipulating that every modification of passport fees must include both a Regulatory Impact Assessment and a predefined expiration date set at 24 months post-implementation, with enforcement through judicial oversight should these conditions be disregarded.

Through integrating digital advancements, focused financial assistance, stringent monitoring, and regular legal evaluations, Nigeria has the ability to reduce escalating charges, decrease waiting periods, and rebuild public confidence, all while ensuring full coverage of legitimate operating expenses.

Dr Shittu, SAN, pens thoughts from Lagos via wkshittuandco@yahoo.com

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