President Buhari on Tuesday, launched a new enhanced security Nigerian passport with 10 years validity. Buhari performed the ceremony at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The FEC meeting was held a day earlier, to enable the President participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) rallies in Edo and Delta states on Wednesday. Buhari was immediately issued his own 10–year validity passport, by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammad Babandede.
Speaking to State House correspondents later, Babandede explained that the new passport has enhanced features, which will make it easier for security management. He said the new passport with 32 pages will cost N25,000 and $130 abroad; the 64 pages with five years expiration time will cost N35,000 and $150 abroad while the 64 pages with 10 years validity will cost N70,000 in Nigeria and $230 abroad.
“The new passport reform programme is weather friendly, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant, it has polycarbonate technology that eliminates damage, enhanced security features and save Nigerians in the Diaspora time of frequent visit to Nigerian Embassy among others,” Babandede said.
