The Nigerian Scholars in Australia (NISA) have voiced their concerns about the recently announced rise in administrative fees by the Nigerian High Commission located in Canberra.
This notification follows a circular released by the mission on February 26, 2026, that outlined revised charges for consular services set to take effect on March 1, 2026.
As per the newly structured fees, Nigerian individuals seeking to renew their passports, obtain emergency travel certificates, or authenticate documents will incur a charge of 150 Australian dollars for each service. Additionally, the cost for company product authentication has been increased to 1,000 Australian dollars per document.
In a statement provided on Saturday, the President of NISA, Comrade Juwon Fayomi, expressed that the group regards the recent fee changes as a considerable increase from the earlier charges.
Fayomi highlighted that many Nigerian students abroad are already struggling with tuition fees, housing costs, immigration requirements, and other living expenses.
“Our members have highlighted the financial strains that Nigerian students currently face in Australia. We are concerned that these updated consular fees will exacerbate these issues,” the statement indicated.
The association said it would welcome further discussions with the High Commission to better understand the reasoning behind the new fees.
“We humbly request that the High Commission reconsider the new fee schedule or postpone its enforcement to facilitate talks with stakeholders, especially those representing students,” Fayomi urged.
Additionally, NISA has called upon the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the issue.
“We appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage all relevant entities to ensure that consular services remain affordable for Nigerians living abroad,” the statement further noted.
The group warned that it might consider lawful and peaceful methods to voice their discontent if no discussions occur within the next 48 hours.
Despite their grievances, NISA reiterated their readiness to enter into a dialogue with the High Commission.
“We are open to engaging constructively and believe that through communication, a resolution beneficial to Nigerians in Australia can be achieved,” Fayomi concluded.
At the time of this report, the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra had not yet responded publicly to these concerns.
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