Reactions have continued to trail the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over its recent upward review of passport application fees, with grassroots footballers warning that the increase could shatter their dreams of pursuing careers outside the country.
The NIS had announced, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, that effective September 1, 2025, the cost of obtaining a 32-page passport with five-year validity would rise from N50,000 to N100,000. Similarly, the 64-page passport with 10-year validity will now cost N200,000, up from the previous N100,000.
According to the Service, the move is part of an effort to standardise Nigeria’s passport fees in line with international best practices and to improve the quality of passport production and processing.
But while the government insists the upward review is necessary, the new fees have sparked outrage among citizens, particularly aspiring athletes who say they cannot afford such costs given the country’s harsh economic realities.
Footballers Speak Out
One of those affected is David Agba, popularly known as Junior, a free agent who previously played for Kano Pillars FC, El-Kanemi Warriors FC, and Nigerien side Espoir FC Zinder.
Agba said the hike is uncalled for and will make it harder for footballers to pursue opportunities abroad.
“It will not be easy because we already hustle to gather money for trials and travel expenses. With this sudden increase, many talented players will be stranded. Government should look into this,” Agba lamented.
Another player, Jude Chigozie Michael Ani, who features for Bussdor United FC, expressed concern that policies such as this often place unnecessary burdens on ordinary Nigerians.
“The masses are always at the receiving end. For grassroots footballers, this decision could kill opportunities and dreams, especially for those of us who hope to play outside the country,” he said.
Austin Godwin, an attacking midfielder with BIB FC in Nigeria’s Nationwide League One (NLO), echoed similar fears.
He noted that most grassroots footballers are from humble backgrounds and hardly get financial support, depending solely on their talent to break into professional football.
“Grassroots players like me may not afford this new passport fee. We hardly get support from the government or sponsors. Our only hope is our talent, and policies like this make things more difficult.
I plead with the government to reconsider,” he said.
Wider Concerns
Beyond footballers, the upward review has also generated criticism from young professionals, students, and civil society groups who argue that the timing of the hike is insensitive, given Nigeria’s current economic hardship.
With inflation at record levels and unemployment rising, many say the policy could further restrict access to opportunities abroad.
Experts also warn that the new fees may discourage legal migration and fuel irregular travel, as desperate youths might seek alternative, and sometimes unsafe, routes out of the country.
Government’s Position
The Immigration Service, however, has defended the increase, noting that the cost of producing and maintaining high-security passports has risen significantly in recent years.
It says the review will enable the government to sustain improvements in passport delivery, including reducing delays, curbing racketeering, and strengthening border security.
Still, affected groups argue that without targeted waivers or support schemes for young Nigerians, especially athletes, the policy could have far-reaching negative impacts.
Call for Review
As reactions continue to pour in, grassroots footballers in Kano and across the country are appealing to both the Federal Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to intervene.
They believe reviewing the fees or providing subsidies for athletes could help preserve the dreams of thousands of young Nigerians hoping to represent the country on international stages.
For now, the debate continues, with September 1 fast approaching - a date that could determine whether many grassroots footballers still have a shot at chasing their football dreams abroad, or whether those dreams will be trapped at home by the high cost of a passport.
