What a Nigerian International Passport Costs and How Long It Takes

Why the passport comes first

Before you can sit an English test, book a visa appointment, or accept an offer that requires you to travel, you need a valid Nigerian international passport. It is the document every other step depends on. If you are applying for funded study abroad, you may need to upload a passport data page with your application, so it is not something you can leave until after you have been selected.

This guide explains what the passport involves: the types available, what you pay, how long it takes, and what to do if you are applying from outside Nigeria. It does not give exact naira figures because fees change and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) updates them from time to time. Always confirm current amounts on the official NIS portal before you pay anyone.

Types of Nigerian passport

Nigeria issues several categories of passport. For students, the most relevant are:

• Standard passport (32 pages): the most common booklet. It is valid for five years and is usually sufficient for student visas and short courses.
• Standard passport (64 pages): a larger booklet for frequent travellers. It costs more than the 32-page version.
• Official and diplomatic passports: issued only to specific government officials and not available to the general public.

There is also a seaman's book for maritime workers, but that is not relevant to most students. If you are unsure which booklet you need, check the entry requirements of your destination country. Some countries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, so a five-year booklet is usually fine.

What you pay

The cost of a Nigerian passport depends on the booklet type and whether you are applying in Nigeria or at a Nigerian mission abroad. Fees are set by the Federal Government and are reviewed periodically. As a rough guide, the 32-page booklet costs tens of thousands of naira, while the 64-page booklet costs more. There are also separate charges for changing your data (for example, after marriage) or replacing a lost passport.

Do not rely on any figure you see on a blog or social media post, including this one. The only reliable source is the official NIS website or a verified NIS office. If you are applying from outside Nigeria, the fee is usually higher and is set by the mission; check the specific embassy or high commission website.

How long it takes

Processing times vary. The NIS advertises a standard processing window, but in practice it can be longer, especially during peak periods or if there are technical issues. Some applicants pay for expedited processing, which costs more and may reduce the wait, but it is not a guarantee. If you are applying for a scholarship with a tight deadline, start the passport process as early as possible. Do not wait until you have an admission letter.

You can track your application online through the NIS portal once you have submitted your biometrics. If you have not received your passport within the stated timeframe, visit the passport office where you applied or contact NIS through their official channels. Avoid using intermediaries who promise to speed up the process for a fee; many are scams.

How to apply

The application process is mostly online. You will need to:

• Create an account on the NIS passport portal.
• Fill in the application form and upload a recent passport photograph that meets the specified requirements.
• Pay the fee online using a debit card or other accepted method.
• Book an appointment for biometric capture at a passport office or approved centre.
• Attend the appointment with your original documents, including your birth certificate or age declaration, and your National Identification Number (NIN).

After biometrics, you will be given a collection date. Bring the receipt and any other documents you were given when you go to collect the passport.

Documents you need

Requirements can change, but typically you will need:

• Birth certificate or declaration of age.
• National Identification Number (NIN) slip.
• Recent passport photographs (usually two).
• Local government area (LGA) or state of origin certificate, depending on the office.
• Marriage certificate or change of name documents, if applicable.

If you are applying from abroad, you may also need proof of legal residence in that country, such as a residence permit or visa.

Common problems

Applicants often run into delays because of:

• Name mismatch: your name on the passport application must match your other documents. If your WAEC certificate has a different spelling, sort it out before you apply.
• Incomplete payment: if the payment does not go through, your application will not be processed.
• No NIN: the NIS now requires a NIN for passport application. If you do not have one, get it first.
• Passport office congestion: some offices are busier than others. If you can, choose a less busy office, but note that you may need to travel.

Applying from outside Nigeria

If you are already abroad, you can apply through the Nigerian embassy or high commission in your country of residence. The process is similar, but fees are usually higher and processing times can be longer. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status in that country. Check the specific mission's website for exact requirements and fees.

What to do if you need it urgently

If you have a genuine emergency, such as a scholarship deadline or a medical emergency, some passport offices offer expedited processing for an extra fee. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the office. The best approach is to apply early. If you have not started your passport application and you are planning to study abroad, do it now. It is the one document that can hold up everything else.

Check before you pay

Fees and procedures change. Before you pay any money, visit the official NIS website or go to a passport office in person. Do not pay agents who claim to have inside connections. Keep your receipts and track your application online. If you are applying for a scholarship, check whether the award requires a passport at the application stage or only after selection. Some scholarships allow you to apply with a birth certificate and obtain the passport later, but many do not. Read the scholarship guidelines carefully.