Nigerian High Commission Cuts Passport Fee Amid Backlash

The Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has reduced its fee for a passport intervention exercise from £70 to £20, effective Wednesday, September 9, 2026. This decision followed backlash regarding what critics termed an unauthorized charge on Nigerians seeking urgent passport renewals.

The fee reduction was posted on the High Commission's website without formal notification to applicants who had already booked appointments. The controversy originated from a directive under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, which limited the charge for passport exercises to £20.

Despite this, the High Commission had been charging £70 per applicant without approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians in the UK and denied knowledge of any approved administrative fee.

Additionally, the High Commission announced the suspension of biometric capturing for the passport intervention exercise, directing applicants to alternative centers for their appointments.