Reduction follows backlash over £70 administrative charge
LONDON — The Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has reduced its fee for the ongoing passport intervention exercise from £70 to £20, following protests and scrutiny over the additional charge.
The fee was reduced on Wednesday, although applicants were reportedly not formally notified of the change displayed on the commission’s website.
TheCable had reported that the High Commission imposed an additional £70 administrative charge on applicants during the intervention exercise, despite an earlier directive issued under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari limiting charges by Nigerian diplomatic missions for making their premises available for such exercises to £20.
According to the report, the £70 administrative fee was imposed without approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while applicants were also charged £150 for lost passports.
