A passport is your gateway to the world, but in some countries, it comes at some of the world’s expensive rates.

While many travelers focus on airfare and accommodation expenses, the price of a passport itself can be a major financial barrier.

Let’s take a look at the most expensive passports globally and how they compare.

Top 5 Most Expensive Passports in the World

1. Australia – $412

On January 1, 2025, the cost of an Australian passport increased from $398 to $412, making it the most expensive passport in the world. While Australia’s passport provides access to numerous countries visa-free, its high cost has been a topic of discussion among travelers.

2. Mexico – $353.90

Mexico holds the second spot, with its passport costing $353.90. Despite being ranked 23rd in global passport power, the price is significantly higher than those of many higher-ranking passports. Mexican citizens still benefit from visa-free access to numerous countries, particularly in Latin America and Europe.

3. United States – $252.72

The US passport is the third most expensive in the world, costing $252.72. Despite the high cost, it remains one of the most powerful passports globally, granting Americans visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a vast number of destinations. However, US citizens must also consider renewal costs, making the expense even more significant over time.

4. New Zealand – $193.72

New Zealanders must pay $193.72 for their passport, placing their country in fourth place. Known for its strong global mobility, the New Zealand passport grants access to over 180 countries without requiring a visa, making it a valuable investment despite its high cost.

5. Japan – $162

Japan, often recognized for having one of the world’s most powerful passports, charges $162 for its citizens to obtain one. Although this cost is lower than those of the countries listed above, it is still notably high compared to other Asian nations. Japanese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, making it one of the most sought-after travel documents.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his administration pulled out of an existing loan arrangement with the World Bank to save the state from “debt overhang”.

Soludo said this while addressing members of the Late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah Media team who were on inspection of the ongoing Government House and Governors Lodge project in Awka on Sunday.

He said his administration had not only refused to borrow from any bank or institution but also refused to access the Federal Government loan to states in 2024.

He said that notwithstanding the development, his administration had embarked on ambitious and people oriented projects which were at various stages of completion.

According to him, it may interest you to know that Anambra is the only state that pulled out of an existing World Bank loan arrangements which was signed before I came in.

“I looked at the terms of the loan and I said it was not sustainable; it was easy to continue with it because the next generation will pay but based on the terms, it was a bad deal for Anambra.

“Last year N438 billion was distributed to 35 states, Anambra was the only state that did not take it. I need money but I cannot borrow my state into slavery,” he said.

Soludo said he was giving Anambra a permanent Government House and Governor’s Lodge 34 years after it was created, expressing regret that the facilities had exited at a construction company office and outside Awka respectively.

He said that it was a magnificent project with about 34 buildings which were being built to last, such that in the next 200 years, they would still be standing like the White House in America.

“I said we are going to break the jinx and we are doing that with the biggest and the best that somebody said is going to be like a mini city,” he said.

Soludo said he had done over 750 kilometers of roads with about 410km completed with attention to parts of the state that had not seen tarred roads since their existence.

“We have touched education, health, youth empowerment, social reorientation and bringing back our value of dignity in labour against this new get rich quick mentality that is destroying our youths.

“I told Anambra people when I was sworn in that I will show them where every Kobo they gave me is channeled,” he said.

Mr Kamen Ogbonna, the Leader of the Ubah media team said they were impressed with what the governor was doing as it aligned with their Philosophy.

Ogbonna said it was interesting to note that Soludo had made such progress in three years without borrowing from any source.

“The magnitude of the Government House and Governors Lodge will tell you why other governors carefully avoided the project,” he said.

Nollywood stars including Steve Alajemba (Uwaezuoke) and Collins Monago who were on the trip lauded Soludo for his works and urged Anambra people to support him to continue the good job as they prepared  for Nov. 8 guber.

A former Kaduna lawmaker, Sen. Shehu Sani, said he lost his senate re-election bid in 2019 because he opposed the former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s move to obtain a 340 million dollars foreign loan.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the Eighth Senate, stated this in an interview with Newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

“I was insistent on speaking truth to power, and that was why I lost my re-election bid in 2019. Former Gov. Narsir El-Rufai was going for a 340 million dollar loan and we said ‘No’.

“”Some of us told him that such a venture would impact negatively on our people, but he went ahead and did that, while he perceived us as his political enemies.

“”This political battle with El-Rufai affected several other politicians, resulting in our leaving the party en masse.

“My own very case was that I stood up to the governor and I paid the price by losing my seat,” he said.

The popular pro-democracy activist, however, said that today, he had been vindicated.

“At that time, the governor was opposed to me; the state assembly members were opposed to me and many political figures there were opposed to me.

“Today, I am vindicated because even the governor of the state today has made it public how the finances and the economy of the state have been strangulated by that loan.

“Many projects were littered, uncompleted and abandoned all over the state. Kaduna today has become the second highest indebted state in the country.

“So I am vindicated, even though I lost my seat,” he said.

Sani said he was satisfied with the role he played on the controversial loan at that time.

“I’m satisfied that, at least, when I die, nobody will look to my grave and say this is the person who signed an approval for the loan that we are going to pay in 100 years.

“The vindication is more important to me than my return to the National Assembly,’’ he said.

The former lawmaker attributed the failure of most members of the national assembly to return to their refusal to be loyal to their governors.

This, he said, often resulted in high turn-out of lawmakers in each election year.

Sani, however, said that the high number of new lawmakers in national and state houses of assembly at every election year was not the best for Nigeria’s democracy.

He said that in the developed world, such as India and the United States, some lawmakers would be in the legislature for 30, 40 and 50 years.

“But in Nigeria, if you are a senator and you are fond of standing up every time to speak truth to the power, you will hardly come back to that national assembly.

“If what you are doing or saying is particularly contrary to the interests of the governor of your state, you will not come back to the national assembly,’’ he said.

The former senator also said that irrespective of a lawmaker’s qualifications, he could only emerge as senate president or speaker of the house if he happened to be the favourite of the executive.

“It’s only during Buhari’s time that a mistake was made in 2015 which made Buhari lose the election at the national assembly.

“Then his adversary Sen. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara took over and you could see what happened for four years.

“ So, if you are elected as a governor of a state, your life is dependent on the state assembly and you cannot allow your enemy to take over.

“So, you will bring someone whose first qualification is not that he speaks good English, second qualification is not that he is competent, third qualification is not that he is good looking and fourth qualification is not that he knows how to make laws.

“The first qualification of a person who is going to be a speaker is that he is 100 per cent loyal to the governor or the president,’’ Sani said

Canada has announced its plan to accept up to 10,000 complete visa applications for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025.

This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.

To be eligible, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet the required income threshold, and sign an undertaking to support their parents or grandparents financially.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees the program, which provides an opportunity for family reunification.

Super Visa: an alternative for extended family visits

For those who want to reunite with their parents and grandparents for extended stays without permanent residency, the Super Visa remains an option.

The Super Visa allows multiple entries to Canada over a 10-year period, with each visit lasting up to five years. IRCC has recently made the Super Visa more accessible by revising health insurance requirements.

Super Visa applicants must apply from outside Canada and meet temporary residence requirements. They also need to provide proof of valid health insurance from an approved provider. If coverage expires before departure, visa holders may need to renew their insurance to maintain eligibility.

Canada Parents Visa: Processing Times and Provincial Variations

As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP applications are approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec. Due to Quebec’s family class admission targets, processing times for those settling in the province are estimated at 48 months.

Super Visa applicants must have private health coverage, as they are not eligible for provincial or territorial health care plans. Previously, proof of health insurance was only accepted from Canadian providers, but IRCC now permits applicants to purchase policies from international insurance companies.

For those planning shorter stays of six months or less, a visitor visa remains an alternative option.

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has revealed that he was foolishly loyal to former Governor Godwin Obaseki just to make the administration succeed.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Sun, Shaibu, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), said all the actions he took while in office were based on principles rather than materialistic position.

The former House of Representatives member pointed out that even when his relationship with Obaseki was not so cordial, he continued to play a fool.

He stated that despite being denied benefits of his office, he still backed Obaseki’s re-election bid.

Philip Shaibu said: “What people see outside is different from what is inside. You see, it is like a marriage. It is either the wife makes it work or the husband makes it work. One has to be a fool for a relationship to be able to flourish. So, in Obaseki’s government, I was the fool. I made myself a fool in his government to make the thing work. Because immediately Comrade told me during that budget saga that I don’t have a say, I am subject to what Obaseki says, at that level, I told myself, okay, no problem, I will be a fool for this man. But I will come out not to be a fool at the end of the day. So, I started planning myself from that day. I said, well, I will make sure loyalty will be 100 per cent, I will be foolishly loyal. I told myself that I will be foolishly loyal. And truly, I was foolishly loyal because of what was said from day one. So, at the end of the day, everybody said ah, Philip is loyal, Philip is loyal. I was actually loyal, foolishly loyal. And when I say loyal, loyal, and I mean it.

“This is my house. There is no one thing in eight years that I bought extra in this house. No one thing that I would say is a new thing that I bought in this house since I became deputy governor. That was how foolish I was. I was limited to my overhead and salaries, nothing more. And that is why the committee of the new governor has completed their assignment. You won’t see my name in any transaction in government or my proxy in any transaction in government. I purposely stayed away from any financial transaction apart from my overhead and salary in government. That was how foolish I was to the extent that even my official vehicle, I didn’t have an official vehicle. The car I used for three years, first three years as deputy governor, was the car that I bought with my car loan as a member of House of Reps. The Land Cruiser that had the flag with the crest of deputy governor was the one I bought when I was a member of House of Reps. I bought an armoured Land Cruiser because I had to be travelling by road to my constituency from there. That car was just six months old when I became deputy governor. So, when the government was not buying vehicles and everything, I had to ask them to take the car from Abuja here to Benin and they put the flag and put the… nobody knew. Then the car my security was using, it was the car that both Imasuen and Odubu’s wives used. The lady mechanic is alive, I had to go and tow them, she came to the Deputy Governor’s lodge and towed those vehicles to her workshop and fixed them. Some of them, we had to change engine and gear box; some of them, we had to cut the head and put another head. She was able to use her skill to bring them back to life, to keep the convoy of the Deputy Governor. And that was how the Hiluxes I used, two of them, the ones I already abandoned that I used as a Majority Leader, we had to go and buy engine for two of them, fix them, then the one I was using in the House of Reps, I bought another one when we were campaigning. Those four were the Hilux vehicles I used in my first term as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

“So, in the midst of that, I still supported him to come back because for me, I believe he was entitled to second term. And I didn’t want anything to distort the flow – Edo North just got eight years, a Benin man coming would now want to…, so on principle, I did what I did. If it was based on materialism, I should have been on Oshiomhole’s side to have my pound of flesh for not even allowing me to access my entitlements.

“In my eight years, I never accessed medical allowance. I never accessed furniture allowance, I never accessed even the 22 days or 28 days they call it, first term and second term, I never enjoyed it. In eight years, both my family and I, none of us. Thank God for good health. None of us accessed any medical… And these are constitutional rights, it is not privilege. It is supposed to be part of my earnings, but I told you, I was living in my house, I was not living in Government House. In Benin, I stayed in my house for eight years.”

Major opposition parties have warned President Bola Tinubu not to be swayed by the recent vote of confidence he received from governors and top figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

In separate interviews with Sunday Punch, opposition parties argued that such endorsement was mere political theatrics and would not influence Nigerians, many of whom are still grappling with the effects of Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Naija News reports that the APC NEC passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu last Wednesday, with former national chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, seconding the motion for Tinubu’s second-term endorsement.

Oshiomhole based his conviction on the President’s economic policies, which he claimed were beginning to yield results.

PDP: APC’s NEC Endorsement Is A ‘Sham’

Reacting to the endorsement, the Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the APC NEC as a “sham” arrangement, insisting that the ruling party is in deep crisis.

“There is no need to waste one’s time responding to any believer in the APC as presently constituted, not to talk of their NEC that was a sham. How many followers of APC or critical stakeholders were even in attendance?” Abdullahi questioned.

He further claimed that many key APC members had lost faith in the party, following the “atrocious” eight years of Buhari and the “demonic” two years of Tinubu.

“The cumulative 10 years of suffering under the APC has been harsh on Nigerians, and there is no way they will contemplate voting for the APC again in 2027. In the first place, they were not truly elected in 2023. We all know how they got power at all costs,” he added.

Labour Party: APC Focused On Power, Not Governance

The Labour Party (LP) also dismissed the APC’s confidence in securing victory in 2027, saying it was too early to predict the outcome of the election.

Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, criticised Tinubu for focusing on re-election rather than fixing the economy.

“The APC only has one candidate—the President—so they have no choice but to begin to echo his chances. But we, as an opposition party, would rather wait for INEC to come up with their proposals before we start discussing 2027,” Ifoh stated.

He argued that the APC should focus on governance rather than electioneering, saying the endorsement was premature.

“This government has not even reached two years in office. How can they start talking about 2027 when they have yet to fulfil the 2023 mandate? It just shows the APC is about grabbing power, not improving the lives of Nigerians. People are still suffering, and things are getting worse,” he added.

Ifoh also called on INEC to caution political parties against premature election campaigns.

APC: Tinubu’s Fate Lies In Voters’ Hands

Responding to the opposition’s remarks, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, dismissed their criticisms, insisting that Tinubu’s re-election bid would be determined by his achievements.

“It is our scorecard that we will present to Nigerians. The opposition cannot decide whether the President should return in 2027—that is the job of the voters.”

Duru further stated that the APC’s track record would be the basis for judgment, not criticisms from “disillusioned political elements.”

“At the end of the day, we will present our achievements, and Nigerians will judge us. No one individual can dictate electoral behaviour,” he said.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and Prophet Umueke Miracle, leader of the Dynamic Flame of Fire and Miracle Ministries in Port Harcourt, have agreed to a live demonstration of miracles following a heated debate on the authenticity of supernatural healings.

Sowore, in a recent interview, dismissed claims of miraculous healings by Nigerian pastors, arguing that many of their so-called wonders were staged to exploit followers.

Naija News reports that he alleged that his father, who suffered a stroke, experienced a “fake miracle” when taken to a church for healing.

“All of us know that all these religious people are fake. I have never seen a church that made a cripple walk before. The church has never made any blind person see. Forget about all these big churches lying to you,” he said.

Sowore further asserted that religion thrives in Nigeria due to the government’s failure to provide basic needs, making people rely on faith for survival.

“The truth is that religion is thriving in our society because the government does not exist. Otherwise, if we had great governance today in this country, your prayer points would change.”

In response, Prophet Miracle denounced Sowore’s remarks as an attack on the Christian faith, insisting that miracles are real and undeniable.

Addressing his congregation, the pastor challenged Sowore to bring a stroke patient to his church for healing, vowing to shut down his ministry if he failed.

He said: “I challenge Sowore to bring someone who has had a stroke. But before he brings the person, let them take the person to the hospital to confirm that the person has had a stroke.

“If I pray and the person stands up and walks, forever until he dies, let him (Sowore) never speak again or pursue his dream of becoming Nigeria’s president. But if I cannot heal the person, let me close this church until Jesus comes.”

The cleric further set an April 4 deadline for Sowore to present a patient for healing, insisting that the demonstration should be conducted live on television for the world to see.

Sowore has accepted the challenge, but with a condition—he wants Prophet Miracle to visit the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) stroke ward and heal patients there.

In a Facebook post, Sowore said: “I have accepted the challenge and would ask the pastor to move his ministry to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital stroke ward, particularly the comprehensive stroke care centre, and clear out the place. My reason is that those in that ward are certified sick and need urgent healing.

“There is no need for a back-and-forth. I will be watching his (Prophet Miracle’s) live stream tomorrow to publicise his healing prowess from that ward.”

When contacted for a response to Sowore’s counter-challenge, a church member, identified as David, told Sunday PUNCH that Prophet Miracle was unavailable for comments.

The Federal Government’s ambitious plan to revamp Nigeria’s tax laws has gained momentum as the Senate and House of Representatives received over 200 memoranda from stakeholders during public hearings.

Naija News reports that the hearings, which attracted participation from government agencies, private sector representatives, civil society groups, and tax professionals, marked a crucial step in the country’s tax reform process.

A key focus of the discussions was how to balance economic growth, revenue generation, and business sustainability, while addressing concerns from individuals and corporate entities.

Stakeholders Offer Diverse Perspectives

The hearings showcased varied opinions on the proposed tax reform bills. While some stakeholders welcomed the move as a step toward modernizing the tax system, others warned of potential challenges.

The House of Representatives alone received 54 memoranda, indicating widespread interest in the tax reform debate.

Government officials and economists argued that the reforms would reduce the budget deficit, enhance tax compliance, and streamline collection processes. However, critics expressed concerns that proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) and income tax brackets could negatively impact small businesses and middle-class citizens.

Finding A Balance Between Growth And Fairness

Key issues raised during the hearings included expanding the tax base without increasing rates, preventing overburdening of businesses and individuals and ensuring fairness in tax distribution.

The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) called for a simplified tax system to enhance compliance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The group also advocated for lower corporate tax rates to encourage investment and job creation.

Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) urged the government to avoid increasing taxes on raw materials, warning that it could lead to higher production costs and hurt local industries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) voiced concerns about the impact on low-income earners, emphasizing the need for a progressive tax system where high-income earners and corporations contribute more.

Calls For Transparency And Sector-Specific Adjustments

Several civil society organizations (CSOs), including Tax Justice Network Africa, pushed for greater transparency and accountability in tax collection and spending.

They also urged the government to combat tax evasion among multinational corporations and ensure that revenue is directed toward social development programs.

Representatives from the oil and gas sector cautioned that frequent tax policy changes could affect Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stressed the importance of clear legal frameworks to prevent confusion and legal disputes.

Other contributions came from organizations such as the Alumni Association of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, the Centre for African Policy Research Advisory, and Project Sprint.

The Legislative Mentorship Initiative described the reforms as a strategic blueprint for Nigeria’s economic future but urged lawmakers to consider the impact on vulnerable populations.

The Centre for African Policy Research Advisory advocated for public engagement in the reform process, while Project Sprint raised concerns over the effects of VAT adjustments on economic activity and labor supply.

What’s Next For Tax Reforms?

With deliberations ongoing, lawmakers are set to review the memoranda and fine-tune the proposed tax reforms.

The goal is to pass legislation that will boost economic growth, reduce inequality, and enhance government revenue collection.

However, the specifics of the reforms remain contentious, with lawmakers facing the challenge of balancing competing interests while crafting a fair, sustainable, and business-friendly tax system.

As the National Assembly navigates the complexities of tax policy, all eyes remain on policymakers to see how they will reconcile diverse perspectives and deliver a tax system that drives Nigeria’s economic future.

In the coming months, stakeholders hope that the final reform package will effectively address their concerns while positioning Nigeria for long-term fiscal stability and growth.