The Nigeria Immigration Service has announced an upward review of the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, effective September 1, 2025.

According to a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, on Thursday, the new fees will apply only to applications made within Nigeria.

“The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000,” the statement read.

However, the statement clarified that application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for the 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for the 64-page, 10-year passport.

The service said the adjustment was aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring accessibility for citizens.

This latest review comes barely a year after the Federal Government approved an earlier upward adjustment in August 2024, which took effect from September 1, 2024.

At the time, the 32-page, five-year passport booklet was increased from N35,000 to N50,000, while the 64-page, 10-year booklet went from N70,000 to N100,000.

The Immigration Service then explained that the increment was necessary to sustain the quality of the Nigerian passport and enhance service delivery.

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A Nigerian bodybuilder who was jailed for harassing 15 men has been found de@d at his home in Liverpool.

Akinwale Arobieke, also known as ‘Purple Aki’, 64, was well known in his local community.

He was found at his home on Devonshire Road in Toxteth in what police believe were non-suspicious circumstances.

Merseyside Police said officers were called at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, August 26, after reports of a man in his 60s found unresponsive near Princes Park. He was pronounced de@d at the scene, and a file has been passed to the coroner, reports the ECHO.

Mr Arobieke was a notorious figure in Merseyside. In 2003, he was jailed for six years for harassing 15 men and was labelled a “modern-day bogeyman”.

He maintained he was the victim of a “modern-day witch hunt” by police following complaints he made against officers.

While still in prison, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was imposed, banning him from touching men’s muscles and visiting gyms.

In 2015, he was convicted of breaching the order after touching a young man’s muscles on a train from Manchester to North Wales. He successfully had the 10-year ban lifted the following year after representing himself in court.

In 2022, Mr Arobieke won a substantial payout from the police after suing the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police for malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office.

He claimed two officers carried out a campaign against him, and the settlement came just weeks before his trial was due to begin.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that emergency services were in the Toxteth area following a non-suspicious death last night, Tuesday 26 August.

“At around 8.30pm, officers were made aware of a man in his 60s being found unresponsive at an address in Devonshire Road, Princes Park. He was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The man’s death is not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into an Exchange of Notes (E/N) agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China for a $1 million grant to support ongoing flood relief operations in Northern Nigeria.

The signing ceremony in Abuja was presided over by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, who described the support as a timely and generous intervention to address urgent humanitarian needs in flood-affected communities.

“This gesture reflects the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development,” the Minister said.

He assured that the Ministry, working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), will oversee the transparent and effective use of the funds. A joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy will also be established to ensure accountability and measurable impact.

The Minister further noted that the grant will complement Nigeria’s existing relief initiatives and help restore livelihoods in the hardest-hit areas, while also deepening China’s partnership with Nigeria across sectors such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and technology.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, You Dunhai, reaffirmed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, especially in times of crisis. Marking his one-year anniversary in the country, he highlighted the progress in bilateral relations, strengthened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024.Plateau State tourism

He pointed to advancements in trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral cooperation, while reiterating China’s continued commitment to the partnership.

He also referenced President Xi Jinping’s June 2025 announcement granting zero-tariff access to all African exports, including Nigeria’s, as part of efforts to boost economic growth and job creation on the continent.

Expressing condolences over the recent devastating floods, Ambassador You said China, which is also grappling with flooding challenges, stands with Nigeria in solidarity.

“China-Nigeria relations are grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared development goals,” he concluded.

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