FOSAD Urges FG To Revert International Passport Fees To Affordable Price

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has expressed concern over the recent increase in the cost of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria, which now exceeds the national minimum wage. 

In a statement jointly e-signed by Dr. Stephen Nwala, President of FOSAD, and Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, Secretary General of FOSAD, the organization condemned the current pricing of N100,000 as exorbitant and unjust, particularly given the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

The statement, released to the media, highlighted that the high cost of passports adds to the severe economic difficulties that ordinary Nigerians are already enduring.

FOSAD argued that international passports are essential for travel and identification and should be accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their financial status.

The current cost, they assert, is a barrier to this access and exacerbates the struggles of those who are already contending with hyperinflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living.

The forum is calling on the Federal Government to revert to the previous, more affordable passport pricing.

It emphasized that this measure would alleviate the financial strain on Nigerians and uphold the right to an international passport as a fundamental privilege, not one reserved solely for the wealthy.

FOSAD also stresses the need for the government to focus on policies that ease rather than worsen economic hardships.

The group believed that reverting to the old pricing structure would reflect the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during these challenging times.

FOSAD stands with Nigerians affected by the price increase and urges the relevant authorities to act promptly to lower passport fees to a more affordable level.

The association called for the government to heed the voices of the people and take immediate action to rectify this issue.