CLAIM: That a Nigerian passport now costs ₦140,000

VERDICT: False. The cost remains ₦100,000

FULL STORY

A claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter) alleges that the cost of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria has risen to ₦140,000. The post has drawn reactions from users already concerned about rising living costs, with many expressing frustrations over what appears to be yet another increase in government service fees. However, findings show that this claim is false.

The viral post states that Nigerians now have to pay ₦140,000 to obtain an international passport. It presents the figure as a recent and official increase, prompting concern among prospective applicants and the public.

The X user @joiceoflagos posted “Passport is now 140k for 5 years and 240k for 10 years.”

The post has since gathered over 260,000 views, more than 5000 likes and about 980 reposts.

A screenshot of the X post

Checks on the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service show that the cost of an international passport has not been raised to ₦140,000.

As of the latest available information, the standard 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity costs ₦100,000, and an additional bank charge of ₦4,000 brings the total to ₦104,000

There is no official announcement or update indicating a new price of ₦140,000. This means the figure being circulated online is inaccurate and not backed by any verified source.

Previous Price Adjustment

The confusion around passport pricing may be linked to a recent but separate increase announced by the federal government. On the 28th of August 2025, the Ministry of Interior approved a review of passport fees, citing rising operational costs and the need to maintain the integrity of the document. Effective September 1, 2025. A 32-page passport with 5-year validity will cost N100,000, and a 64-page, 10-year validity passport will cost N200,000. These changes apply only to applications within Nigeria; fees for the diaspora remain unchanged

This adjustment was widely reported in the media and confirmed by the immigration authorities. However, there has been no subsequent increase beyond this, and certainly none fixing the 32-page passport at ₦140,000.

Why the Claim Spreads

Misinformation like this often gains traction in an environment where people are already dealing with economic pressure. With frequent discussions around inflation, fuel prices, and service costs in Nigeria, many users are more likely to believe claims about price hikes without verification.

Social media also plays a role. Posts that trigger strong reactions, especially frustration or outrage, are more likely to be shared widely. In this case, the claim aligns with existing public sentiment, making it appear believable even without evidence.

Another factor is the lingering memory of the previous increase. Because passport fees were recently adjusted, some users may assume further hikes are happening, making them less likely to question new claims.

This case highlights a common pattern in online misinformation: a real event (previous price increase), a false update built around it, and rapid spread due to public concern

When such claims go unchecked, they can create unnecessary panic and erode trust in public institutions. They also make it harder for people to access accurate information, especially for essential services like passport applications.

CONCLUSION

While concerns about rising costs in Nigeria are valid, not every claim circulating online reflects reality. The claim that the cost of an international passport in Nigeria has increased to ₦140,000 is false. The current official price for a standard 32-page passport remains ₦100,000, as stated by the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Accurate information is critical when it comes to public services. False claims about costs can discourage people from applying, lead to confusion, or even expose individuals to exploitation by fraudsters who take advantage of misinformation.

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