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Human rights

Nigeria's Passport Fee Hike Sparks Constitutional Challenge

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Lagos-based Human Rights Lawyer, Francis Chigozie Moneke, has dragged the Nigerian Government to court over an alleged extortionate increase in passport fees. Moneke contends that the sharp hike in fees violates citizens' rights to freedom of movement and freedom from discrimination. The suit, filed on October 6, 2025, seeks to have the new fees declared unconstitutional and for the Government to revert to previous rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Government's passport fee increase from ?25,000 to ?100,000 and ?200,000 for standard passports is deemed unreasonable and oppressive by Human Rights Lawyer, Francis Chigozie Moneke.
  • Moneke argues that the price hike denies millions of Nigerians their right to freedom of movement, as the document is now unaffordable for many citizens.
  • The new fees are seen as discriminatory against low-income earners, unemployed individuals, and those earning the minimum wage of ?70,000 or less.
  • The Lawyer relies on the Supreme Court's decision in Director, SSS v Olisa Agbakoba, to argue that the right to a passport is an essential facility for exercising the right to freedom of movement.
  • Moneke seeks for the Federal High Court to declare the fee increase unconstitutional and for the Government to impose 'nominal fees' in the interest of fairness and social justice.
  • The suit is a fundamental rights enforcement action, seeking redress for violations of Sections 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 12 and 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Statistics:

  • Passport fee increase: from ?25,000 to ?100,000 and ?200,000 for standard passports.
  • Number of Nigerians allegedly affected by the fee increase: millions.
  • Minimum wage in Nigeria: ?70,000 or less.
  • Ratio of the new fees to the minimum wage: 1:1.5 (for ?100,000 fee) to 1:2.86 (for ?200,000 fee).

Sources:

  • Lagos-based Human Rights Lawyer, Francis Chigozie Moneke.
  • Human Rights Lawyer, Francis Chigozie Moneke.
  • Director, SSS v Olisa Agbakoba (Supreme Court decision).
  • Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended).
  • African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Article 12 and 2).

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