TheCable

President Goodluck Jonathan has launched a new e-passport, specially designed for frequent travellers and business people.

The 64-page document will cost N20,000.

There is also a new standard, 32-page e-passport which will now go for N15,000, up from N8,500, as from Friday, August 1.

There are concessions for the young and the old in the pricing, with those below 18 or above 60 paying N8,500.

Change of data or loss of passport will attract a charge of N20,000 “to curb abuse”, according to the comptroller-general, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Paradang.

Change of name as a result of marriage, divorce or deceased spouse will cost N8,750, while change of data on request will attract a processing fee of N30,000.‎

The current passports are still valid until their expiry dates, after which holders will be issued with the new e-passports.

Interior minister, Abba Moro, said the new e-passport will enhance the integrity of the Nigerian travel document as it prevents identity theft and conforms to international standards.

Paradang explained after the launch that the 64-page e-passport is a special demand for only frequent travellers while the 32-page is the normal one.

Jonathan asked NIS  to improve on their services to travellers at the airports as they are the first contact and represent the image of the country.