The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has faulted the Federal Government over the recent hike in passport fees, describing the move as arbitrary, unlawful, and discriminatory.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the decision by the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) was inconsistent with constitutional provisions and fundamental rights.
According to SERAP, the increase in passport fees will deepen inequality and deny millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians access to essential travel documents, as many citizens will now be forced to choose between meeting basic needs and paying inflated fees.
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“The hike is unlawful as it violates both Chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights and the obligation of government to promote equality and social justice,” Oluwadare stated.
The rights group urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision immediately, warning that the hike undermines transparency, accountability, and the principles of good governance.
SERAP also maintained that government agencies must act within the law and avoid policies that place undue hardship on citizens, especially those with limited incomes.
