The concerned citizens said that over the past few months, instances of unfair treatment and manipulation of internal processes within the service had been observed.
Some concerned Nigerians have petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over alleged extortions by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Akure office in Ondo State.
The concerned citizens said that over the past few months, instances of unfair treatment and manipulation of internal processes within the service had been observed.
In a statement by one of the victims and obtained by SaharaReporters, it was disclosed that certain individuals at the NIS Akure office used their positions for personal gains and bypassed established protocols to benefit themselves and their allies.
The statement read, "I write to bring to your attention some concerns and actions that have become notorious within your agency (the NIS).
"A blind eye cannot be turned to the subtle acts of corruption being carried out by some of your subordinates across the state, particularly in your state of origin, Ondo State.
"I believe that these actions are not only damaging to the credibility and integrity of the agency but also undermine the trust and confidence that the public places in its operations. As the head of the agency, I understand that you may not be aware of these subtle corrupt acts, but it is imperative that they are brought to your attention so that appropriate measures can be taken to address them.
"One of such is the act of exploitation carried out at the Akure office, Ondo State, which is the instance of Passport applicants having indicated interest to renew their passport having expired being overcharged contrary to the stipulated online fees with the extra exorbitant fees not receipted for. This was the shock I faced, when I went to renew my passport."
According to the statement, the renewal fee for a 10-year passport has increased from N70,000 to N110,000, while the renewal fee for a 5-year passport has risen from N35,000 to N55,000. Other residents also lamented their fate, having paid N75,000.
"It took hours of demanding to see their superiors before I narrowly escaped from being their victim, I am not oblivious that the process can be done online, however many applicants would rather seek to approach a physical office, just like I did, because of the high level of trust and efficient service presumed on behalf of the Service.
"I respectfully, urge therefore to use your good office to conduct a thorough investigation into these heinous conducts and take decisive action to hold those responsible accountable for their actions, so that the highest ethical standards, transparency and fairness that your ministry is known for will not be marred. It is also trite for you to do so as charity begins at home."
When SaharaReporters contacted the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo, he said that once money was paid online, that was the final amount that should be paid.
He said, "The renewal fee for ten years is N70,000, while for five years it is N35,000. I hope the person has not gone to meet with some thugs, because at the passport office, there is no need to patronise thugs.
"If anybody is telling you something contrary, go and meet the person in charge of the passport office in Akure, and make a complaint. I don't think any officers will request money from you; we don't condone such behaviour.
"If anybody asks you for money, identify the person; we'll find that person."