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.
