The Digest: 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.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune, Peter Obi's X handle
