Nigeria High Commission Confirms £20 Passport Administrative Fee, Refunds Reported for Applicants Who Paid £70

The Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom has reaffirmed that the approved administrative charge for passport services is £20, following controversy over a £70 fee reportedly paid by some applicants during the ongoing passport intervention exercise.

In a notice dated September 11, 2026, the High Commission said claims that a £70 administrative fee had received presidential approval were incorrect. It maintained that the approved standard administrative charge remains £20.

Separate reports said applicants who had already paid £70 would receive a £50 refund, leaving the approved £20 charge. However, the High Commission’s clarification did not outline the procedure or timeline for processing the refunds.

The controversy followed complaints from Nigerians in the UK over additional charges and difficulties associated with the special passport intervention exercise. The Federal Government had earlier maintained that applicants were not required to pay unauthorised administrative fees.

The High Commission’s published requirements state that applicants attending the intervention exercise must pay a £20 administrative charge.

Those seeking replacement of lost, misplaced or damaged passports are required to pay a separate £150 charge. Applicants must also provide the relevant passport documents, appointment slip and a prepaid Royal Mail C4 special-delivery envelope for the return of their passports.

The Nigeria Immigration Service also confirmed that the official passport application fees remain $162 for a five-year passport and $242 for a 10-year passport, excluding applicable administrative or related charges.

According to the NIS, 1,477 Nigerians were processed and enrolled within the first four days of the intervention exercise, with more than half of the passports reportedly produced and dispatched to applicants’ addresses.

Due to the high turnout, the intervention exercise in London and Manchester was extended from September 19 to October 3, 2026. The High Commission’s official notice also lists intervention dates for Cardiff and Aberdeen from September 21 to 26.

Applicants have been advised to rely on the official communication channels of the Nigeria High Commission and the Nigeria Immigration Service for appointment information, payment instructions and further updates.