The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport, with the price for a 32-page passport booklet, which offers a five-year validity, now raised from N35,000 to N50,000. Similarly, the cost of a 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity has risen from N70,000 to N100,000.
This price adjustment reflects the government’s efforts to manage the rising costs associated with passport production and other related services. The increase is expected to impact citizens planning to renew their passports or apply for new ones, prompting discussions about the affordability and accessibility of essential travel documents. The government, however, has assured that the quality and efficiency of passport services will be maintained to justify the price hike.
Additionally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications companies to block SIM cards within five minutes of being reported stolen.
This mandate is part of a broader effort by the NCC to enhance security and protect consumers from the rising threats of fraud and identity theft. By enforcing this quick response time, the NCC aims to prevent criminals from exploiting stolen SIM cards for illegal activities, such as unauthorized access to bank accounts, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime.
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The directive not only emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers’ personal information but also underscores the need for telecom operators to improve their response systems. A swift SIM card deactivation process will help to minimize the potential financial and emotional distress that victims of theft often experience.
The NCC’s move reflects a commitment to strengthening the security framework within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, ensuring that both the infrastructure and the customers it serves are better protected against the evolving landscape of digital threats.
