The rising cost of a Nigerian passport has sparked fresh debate, with Peter Obi warning that “the burden is becoming legendary.” His remarks highlight how basic documents now exceed workers’ monthly wages, reflecting a deeper struggle between survival and governance.
Key Points:
New passport fees: ₦100,000 (32-page), ₦200,000 (64-page)
Increase marks third adjustment in two years
The current minimum wage is set at ₦70,000
Passport costs are now higher than the monthly salary for workers
Obi says policy deepens hardship on ordinary Nigerians
Criticism centres on the widening disconnect between the state and its citizens
Call for urgent reforms to reduce everyday financial burdens
The clash between wage realities and document costs exposes a symbolic tension: survival versus dignity. Nigerians face not only economic weight, but a test of how far the social contract can bend before breaking.
