The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly increased the fee for police character certificates (PCC) from N5,000 to N40,000.
According to TheCable, a police source confirmed the development on Tuesday morning, 19 July.
The PCC also known as police clearance report/certificate is procured by Nigerians travelling abroad to study, get employment or do other pursuits.
This implies that Nigerians seeking to study abroad will be required to pay the 700 per cent increase.
Some organisations in Nigeria also request the certificate before giving employment to applicants.
The document certifies that the holder has no criminal history in Nigeria, has not been convicted, and is not attempting to evade justice for crimes committed in the country.
The development comes amid reports that many Nigerians are seeking to leave the country in search of employment abroad owing to a fall in the standard of living and a high unemployment rate.
In 2021, Nigeria hit a new record on unemployment rate as a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the unemployment rate climbed to 33.3 per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4 2020) from 27.1 per cent recorded in Q2 2020.
Persistent levels of underinvestment, university strikes in Nigeria, and the availability of post-study work options, and permanent residency have also boosted the interest of Nigerians seeking education abroad.
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