Nigeria denies extra fees amid UK passport intervention delays

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have reported significant delays, poor organization, and alleged unauthorized administrative fees during a special federal government passport intervention exercise. Reports from Manchester and London indicated applicants faced long wait times, lack of security, and insufficient staffing at intervention centers.

In response to these complaints, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed concern regarding the difficulties encountered by applicants. The Federal Government has officially denied imposing any additional charges beyond the standard fees of $150 for a five-year passport and $230 for a 10-year passport, excluding bank charges.

The Ministry of Interior stated that consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve these logistical challenges and ensure that inconveniences do not persist. Officials have also encouraged applicants to utilize the contactless biometric passport application system.