Nigeria Immigration Service Admits Passport Racketeering Despite Fee Hike

Despite the increased cost of Nigerian passports, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revealed that many applicants still pay extra fees due to racketeering and extortion. The NIS acknowledged that the high cost does not deter such illegal practices, with many Nigerians opting for assistance to navigate the passport application process.

The officials highlighted loopholes in the system that enable exploitation by middlemen and touts, leading to additional charges for applicants. The recent upward review of passport fees by the NIS has sparked concerns about affordability and accessibility, prompting criticism from some quarters.