Nigerian High Commission in Kenya Accused of Exploiting Citizens Over Passport Renewal Fees”

The Nigerian High Commission in Kenya faces allegations of overcharging citizens for passport renewals, sparking outrage among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi has faced allegations of charging Nigerians residing in Kenya exorbitant and unauthorized fees for passport renewal services.

Reverend Brother Moses Fegher, a Nigerian missionary based in Kenya, spoke to reporters on Thursday about what he called a new method of exploitation aimed at Nigerians living in the East African country.

Fegher states that the High Commission has implemented a $42 charge for passport renewal services, despite this fee not being included in the official fees outlined by the Nigerian government.

Fegher clarified that the fee consists of two parts: a $30 “Cash on Delivery” (COD) charge and an additional $12 transaction fee.

He expressed concerns about the clarity and legitimacy of these extra charges, specifically highlighting that the $30 COD fee is not for courier services as one might expect but is instead a dubious surcharge.

According to Fegher, Cash on Delivery (COD) is a payment method requiring the recipient to pay upon delivery. He argues that its implementation imposes an additional burden on Nigerians who are already dealing with economic difficulties.

He noted that the fee, which was formerly paid in cash or through the mobile payment service M-Pesa, has now been incorporated into an electronic payment system. Additionally, there has been a rate increase from Ksh 2,000 (approximately $20) to Ksh 5,045 (roughly $30).

Moreover, you cannot make direct payments using Nigerian currency, even with a Visa Card. As someone from Nigeria, you’ll need to use the platform specified on the payment slip to purchase $180 at an exchange rate of $12. Seriously?

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“Convert this amount of $42 into Nigerian Naira to understand the financial impact on Nigerians for services provided at the High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya,” he mentioned.

Fegher wondered why the Nigerian government has not offered clear guidelines regarding these fees and questioned whether other Nigerian embassies worldwide also impose similar additional charges for passport renewal services.

The missionary’s remarks reflect earlier allegations he made in September 2022, when he accused the High Commission of participating in passport racketeering and other corrupt activities.

At that time, Fegher expressed disappointment over what he perceived as the commission’s staff failing to advocate for Nigerians’ interests—especially those of the younger generation, who were meant to benefit from government services overseas.

“The personnel at the High Commission prioritize their personal gain over the lives of Nigerians they are meant to protect,” Fegher commented, expressing disappointment that those responsible for safeguarding Nigerians overseas were instead taking advantage of them.

Alao Babatunde, an assistant to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, responded when asked about the allegations by saying he required time to seek clarification on the issue and noted that such charges should not have been imposed.

At the time this was published, no additional response had been received.