Furore over new passport charges by Nigeria High Commission in Canada

Nigerians living in Canada under the aegis of Nigerian and Canadian Business Network (NCBN) have berated the High Commission in Canada for its planned introduction of new service charges for passport renewal and passport replacement, among others.

While appealing to the High Commissioner, Adeyinka Asekun, to halt the implementation of the new charges pending the meeting with the relevant stakeholders, the group explained that the decision would inflict further hardship on its members.

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Wale Adesanya, vowed to sustain its opposition campaign to the outrageous charges, saying that the decision was not only arbitrary and inauspicious but also capable of bringing untold hardship to concerned family members as well as Nigerian students who have had to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

The High Commission had in a reference letter No. NHC/OTT/ADM.422/X dated February 2, 2021 and titled presidential directive on the implementation of administrative charges at Nigerian missions, announced the introduction of the new charges to ensure effective management and efficient service delivery.

“Consequently, the High commission hereby presents hereunder, the list of services as well as  the administrative charges,  which takes effect  from  Wednesday, February 10, 2021.   Passport: Fresh Issue/Renewal. 50; Expedited issuance (Wait and get)   200; Lost Passport (Caution Fee) 400; Letter of Certification of Passport 70; Emergency Travel Certificate (E.T.C.): With expired Nig. Passport 50;   (ii)   Without Passport (Lost Passport with police report)   100; Authentication of Documents 30 (per document); Authentication of Corporate/Business documents 150; Letter to Police for Character Certificate (police report) 50; Repatriation/Shipment of Human Remains 50 (per document); Driver’s License letter 100; Change of Data (Passports) (i)  by marriage (ii)   others  100, 150,” the letter added.