The Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) has urged the Federal Government to discontinue subsidising the cost of international passports and instead channel the funds to the welfare of inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) and procurement of ammunition for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
According to Bright Ngolo, the chairman of NDRA, the Ministry of Interior has made significant efforts in clearing over N25bn obligations incurred on passport importation, which demonstrates the need for prudent management of resources.
The group argued that subsidising international passports, which are dollar-denominated, is not economically justifiable.
The group believed that the huge sums spent on subsidies could be better utilised to improve living standards for inmates in correctional facilities.
He said, “We note with satisfaction the efforts made by the Interior Ministry under Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in clearing over N25 billion in obligations incurred by his predecessors in office on the importation of Nigerian passports alone.”
The group suggested prioritising national identity database capture through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and scaling down on international passport rush.
This approach can help ease pressure and corruption associated with passport applications.
NDRA emphasises that international passports are travel documents, not basic means of identification for an average Nigerian.
Instead, Nigerians can utilise the ECOWAS card for travel within the West African sub-region.
NDRA also recommends ensuring the new passport price regime, scheduled to kick off on September 1, 2025, does not affect those who initiated applications before the official announcements.
The group urged the NIS to diligently clear the backlog of passport applications received before September 1, 2025.
He said, “The proposed redirection of funds could have implications for passport pricing and availability. However, it may also lead to improved welfare for inmates and enhanced security capabilities for NIS.
