By Mary Izuaka

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) applying for international passports under the ongoing special intervention exercise will not pay any charges beyond the official fees.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister said the intervention was introduced to give Nigerians in the UK more options for processing their passports and to ease the inconveniences they have experienced.

“The intervention exercise was introduced to provide more options for Nigerians in the United Kingdom to process their application,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns on social media and in Nigerian community groups in the UK over alleged extra charges and long delays at passport centres.

The federal government in 2024 rolled out the contactless biometric passport renewal system, allowing Nigerians abroad to apply and submit biometrics without visiting an embassy or consulate.

Official fees unchanged

Mr Tunji-Ojo said applicants are only required to pay $150 for a five-year passport and $230 for a ten-year passport, exclusive of bank charges.

“It is therefore necessary to clarify that this process does not come with extra costs different from the official fees of $150 and $230 for a five-year and ten-year validity passport, respectively, exclusive of bank charges,” he stated.

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He added that neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced any other charges outside the aforementioned.

However, he said consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that any inconveniences during this process do not persist any longer.

“This government has demonstrated a high level of responsibility to Nigerians at home and abroad, and remains committed to its promises of providing succour to all.

“Applicants are further advised to take advantage of the seamless contactless biometric passport application system,” he added.