Nigerian Airport Staff: Are They Under-paid?

   As I approached the entrance of the airport building, several security personnel were by the door; Army staff, some men in sky-blue uniform, immigration. One of them walks up to me and asks me, “What do you have in these bags?” “Clothes and toiletries.” I answered. “Ehen, na only you de travel with all these loads?” “Yes.” I answered. Then he gives me a very mischievous smile saying, “Oya with your church mind, find me something make I take keep body.” I smiled innocently like I didn’t understand where he was going with that. My sister interrupted, “Oga she no even get enough money to travel with abeg, na small pikin she be.”

    This incident hardly left my mind because from the time I started my check-in till I boarded the airplane, I had to keep defending myself from one airport staff at one point or the other trying to extort money from me. Then, I keep hearing Nigerians say stuff like, its normal once you are traveling for the first time. I can’t help but wonder about the fact that, whether it’s a person’s first time or not doesn’t make it right for anyone to extort money from people at our airports.

What could be the cause of all these? Is it that they are underpaid? Or, is it that it is approved by the ogas at the top? This is not different from the policemen standing by the roads extorting money from drivers. It is so normal that people can pass with anything good/bad in and out of the country because once you settle/bribe them, they cease to search your luggage and let you pass.

   This is not right. Highly unacceptable. I know many people have faced this challenge at the airport but could hardly say anything. Nonetheless, this is my avenue for expressing my thoughts concerning any matter that sparks my interest. In other countries (at least the parts i visited), Nigerians are welcomed and treated with respect (unless you are a criminal). Why is it in our home country that our people make things difficult for each other? It is not right at all. They, if given the opportunity will rip someone off of his/her Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). If you are not bold and confident enough to defend yourself, you’ll leave the airport with only half of the money you came in with. It’s not right at all. Nigerians shouldn’t be okay with just about anything. They shouldn’t just settle for any kind of harassment that arise in the society. Before long, it becomes a norm. Everyone begins to see it as an acceptable way of living. When making travel arrangements, you now have to make plans for money to settle airport staff.

Mtcheeeeeeeew!

This is the much I can say on this matter for now.

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