By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A Nigerian senator has called on the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to stop uniformed personnel at the country’s airports from begging travellers for money.
The appeal was made by Senator Osita Izunaso during an event in Abuja on Monday.
He described the conduct of some officials from agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service as a “national embarrassment” that tarnishes Nigeria’s image, especially for foreign visitors.
Izunaso specifically pointed out the practice of officials using excessive greetings like “Your boys are here, Sir!” as a subtle but widely understood demand for tips.
However, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, countered the claim, stating that he recently travelled through an international airport and experienced significant improvements with no such demands.
In response, the Minister of Aviation pledged that Nigeria would be ready to warmly welcome all visitors for the upcoming 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which the country is set to host.