Reduction follows backlash over £70 administrative charge
LONDON — The Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has reduced its fee for the ongoing passport intervention exercise from £70 to £20, following protests and scrutiny over the additional charge.
The fee was reduced on Wednesday, although applicants were reportedly not formally notified of the change displayed on the commission’s website.
TheCable had reported that the High Commission imposed an additional £70 administrative charge on applicants during the intervention exercise, despite an earlier directive issued under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari limiting charges by Nigerian diplomatic missions for making their premises available for such exercises to £20.
According to the report, the £70 administrative fee was imposed without approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while applicants were also charged £150 for lost passports.
The intervention attracted Nigerians in the UK seeking urgent passport renewals, with applicants booking appointments through the High Commission’s online portal.
TheCable reported that officials familiar with the exercise said fees were collected from about 3,000 applicants, despite the facility having the capacity to accommodate fewer than 300 people daily.
Although the fee has now been reduced to £20, the newspaper reported that the charge still conflicts with the separate £20 administrative fee stipulated under the earlier directive.
Officials involved in the exercise were quoted as saying that the High Commission had requested an additional payment to facilitate the process and generate revenue.
Reacting to concerns over the exercise, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said he was concerned about the inconvenience experienced by Nigerians seeking to renew their passports.
Tunji-Ojo also denied knowledge of any approved administrative fee of the nature allegedly demanded by officials, saying consultations were ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the difficulties.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian High Commission in London announced the suspension of biometric capturing for the passport intervention exercise in the city.
Applicants were subsequently directed to alternative centres to continue with their appointments.
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