HOW NIGERIAN AIRPORT OFFICIALS EXTORT AND FLEECE TRAVELERS: AN ACCOUNT

HOW NIGERIAN AIRPORT OFFICIALS EXTORT AND FLEECE TRAVELERS: AN ACCOUNT 

Anyone who travels abroad frequently, or has traveled before, will understand the outrageous extortion and bribery demands that occur at the airports, especially at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Many times, these officials boldly ask for bribes in dollars. You may recall when a popular Nollywood actor, Afolayan, publicly called them out, and the video went viral.

If I share my personal experience, you would be shocked. These officers deliberately delay travelers, creating situations where you might miss your flight unless you pay a bribe, especially if you're a first-time traveler.

I remember when I was boarding, they asked for my travel documents, thoroughly checking everything, my luggage, my handbag. One of them then casually said, "Oga, give us something." I politely responded that I didn't have any cash and would 'settle them' next time. 

As I quickly made my way towards boarding, one of them tried to stop me. But I stared at him firmly and warned him not to attempt any funny thing, or I would make scene and give him a showdown if I miss my flight. Seeing my seriousness, he backed off, and I continued on to my flight.

Many Nigerians, especially first-time travelers, are often too intimidated to stand up to these rogue and corrupt officers and end up handing over as much as $100 in bribes because that's what they demand. One first time traveler recently told him of how he they insisted on $100 dollars from him.

The same thing happens upon returning to Nigeria. I witnessed it in the arrival section, watching them harass passengers with senseless questions. After checking passports and confirming everything was in order, they’d smile and say, “Welcome back to Nigeria,” before starting their extortion routine, asking for dollars and pulling people aside until they could find something to offer.

When it was my turn, I kept a stern face as they greeted me, "Obasi Isaac Agwu, welcome back to Nigeria," and I said Thank you and the next thing they started their nonsense questions. I cut them off immediately, asking why they were bothering me after everything had already been checked and verified. They looked at each other, smiled, and quickly told me to proceed.

Many Nigerians can't challenge this extortion and bribery, and I wonder why.? Even the late popular Bahamas preacher, Myles Munroe, was a victim when he visited Nigeria. Because of his appearance, looking like a Nigerian, the rogue airport staff tried to extort him in dollars.

 

However, he quickly confronted them, letting them know who he is and he was already aware of their corrupt practices and threatened to report them to the authorities. These guys disgrace Nigeria everyday at the airports.

Next time I travel, I plan to set a trap for these fantastically corrupt officials. As a journalist, I'll go undercover, capture their actions on camera, and expose their criminal behaviours of extorting people. Àwọn Olóṣi 

Credit:

ISAAC OBASI

The Pen Pusher