Despite repeated warnings and high-level directives from government officials, the menace of “corporate begging” and subtle extortion by security and administrative personnel remains a persistent blight on Nigeria’s major airports, causing deep frustration among arriving and departing passengers.
Travelers, especially those returning from abroad or foreign visitors, report being accosted by uniformed staff from multiple agencies who engage in unrequested “assistance” or overly familiar greetings as a pretext for demanding tips or handouts.
The practice has been identified as a critical factor tarnishing Nigeria’s international image. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, have both publicly lamented the situation.
Kuku, in a frank assessment, noted that the Lagos airport is often the first and most defining impression visitors have of Nigeria, and the aggressive soliciting for funds is driving away investors and humiliating citizens.
Traveler’s Lament: “At every single checkpoint, I was asked for money. It’s incredibly frustrating and not what you expect from officials who are meant to be professional gatekeepers,” stated a Nigerian traveller residing in the diaspora.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken action, including the indefinite suspension of an officer filmed begging a traveler at the Lagos airport. Plans are underway to streamline passenger screening and deploy technology, such as e-gates and body cameras, to reduce the human interface where these infractions commonly occur.
Given that the culprits belong to various agencies (Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, Aviation Security, etc.), the National Security Adviser has been coordinating meetings to enforce a unified approach against the misconduct.
Until these implemented solutions effectively reduce the contact points and enforce zero-tolerance for unprofessional conduct, passengers will continue to fume over a practice that prioritizes personal gain over national dignity and security.
