by Nurat Uthman
The Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi has been accused of imposing excessive and unauthorized fees on Nigerians living in Kenya seeking passport renewal services
Revd. Br. Moses Fegher, a Nigerian missionary working in Kenya, spoke with reporters on Thursday, revealing what he described as a new method of exploitation targeting Nigerians in the East African nation.
According to Fegher, the High Commission has introduced a $42 charge for passport renewal services, which is not part of the official fees listed by the Nigerian government.
Fegher explained that the fee is comprised of two components: a $30 “Cash on Delivery” (COD) charge and an additional $12 transaction fee.
He raised concerns over the transparency and legitimacy of these additional costs, particularly pointing out that the $30 COD fee is not for courier services, as one might assume, but rather a questionable surcharge.
The COD, according to Fegher, is a payment method where the recipient pays at the time of delivery, which he claims has been implemented in a way that burdens Nigerians who are already facing economic challenges.
He also pointed out that the fee had previously been paid in cash or via mobile payment service M-Pesa, but has now been integrated into the electronic payment system, with an increased rate— rising from Ksh 2,000 (around $20) to Ksh 5,045 (around $30).
“Additionally, you can’t pay directly with Nigerian currency, even if you have a Visa Card. As a Nigerian, you’ll still need to use a specific platform mentioned on the payment slip to buy the $180 at a rate of $12. Really?
“Convert this amount ($42) into Nigerian Naira to grasp the financial burden on Nigerians for services offered at the High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya,” he stated.
Alao Babatunde, an aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, when contacted for comment on the allegations, stated that he needed time to seek clarification on the matter, noting that such charges were not supposed to be imposed.
However, at the time of publication, no further response had been received.
