Airport Begging: Senator Urges Aviation Minister to Caution Officials Begging Travellers

A mild drama played out in Abuja on Monday when Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to caution officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other uniformed personnel at airports against begging air travellers for money.

Izunaso described the conduct of some airport officials as a national embarrassment, saying it tarnishes Nigeria’s image before visiting foreigners.

The senator made the remarks at an event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World”, where Nigeria announced its preparedness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which will attract delegates from 126 countries.

Commending Keyamo for the recent transformation at the nation’s airports, Izunaso urged him to address lingering issues of misconduct among personnel.

He said, “Honourable minister, a lot has been said about what you are doing at the airports. When you arrive now, you just carry your bag and move in—good work, that’s fantastic.

“But you also have to look at the personnel, including customs, immigration, and others working at the airports. You will always hear people shout, ‘Your boys are here, Sir!’ or ‘We are greeting you, Sir!’ This does not depict a very good image of our country.”

He added that excessive greetings and subtle demands for “tips” send the wrong signals to foreign visitors.

“For us in Nigeria, we know what ‘Your boys are here’ means. Please tell them there will be no ‘Your boys or girls are here.’ Even their looks sometimes tell you they want something more than their job requires.”

However, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, disagreed with the senator, saying that the aviation sector had made remarkable progress in recent years.

“I just returned from South Africa through the international airport. I can confirm there is a lot of improvement—nobody said ‘Your boys are here’ to me. Nigeria is changing,” Neliaku stated.

Backing his position, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised Keyamo for leading what he described as an “unprecedented transformation” in the aviation sector.

“What we are seeing under the Ministry of Aviation is truly impressive. Thank you for making us proud,” Idris said.

Also responding, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, explained that recent technological upgrades at airports have reduced human contact and improved efficiency.

“All you need to do now is scan your passport; if your details are correct, the door opens automatically. If there’s an issue, you’ll be directed to sort it out behind. This aligns with international best practices,” Adeniyi stated.

In his closing remarks, Keyamo assured that the ministry would ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors attending the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja.

“We are going to be ready at our entry points, which represent the image of the country. We will ensure all delegates receive a warm welcome,” he said.

“We’re also setting up a VVIP department at all international airports to serve our distinguished guests coming for the forum.”

The World Public Relations Forum, scheduled for November 2026 at Eagle Square, Abuja, is expected to be Nigeria’s largest global communication event, bringing together top public relations professionals, diplomats, and government officials from around the world.