Nigerian Scholars in Australia (NISA) are up in arms over the recent administrative fee hike announced by the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra, effective March 1, 2026. The new fees include a whopping $150 AUD for services like driver license verification, passport issuance, and emergency travel certificates, while company product authentication will now cost $1000 AUD.
NISA President, Comrade Fayomi Juwon, expressed disappointment, stating that the hike is “untimely, burdensome, and potentially harmful” to Nigerian students and professionals in Australia, who are already struggling with strict work-hour limitations, high tuition costs, and rising living expenses.
The scholars are calling for dialogue with the High Commission, seeking transparency and justification for the fee increments. They’re also urging the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene and ensure consular services remain accessible to Nigerians abroad.
NISA has given the High Commission 48 hours to respond, threatening peaceful protests if their concerns aren’t addressed. The group emphasizes that these administrative services are crucial for maintaining legal status, academic progression, and professional engagement, not “optional luxuries”.
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