A mild drama unfolded in Abuja on Monday when Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to caution airport officials against begging travellers for money.
Izunaso specifically mentioned personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other uniformed officers at airports, describing their behaviour as “a national embarrassment” that tarnishes Nigeria’s image before foreign visitors.
The senator made the call during an event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” held in preparation for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which Nigeria will host with participants from 126 countries.
“Honourable Minister, people have commended your efforts at improving airport operations, the experience now is much better. But there’s still a problem with some of the personnel,” Izunaso said.
“You often hear them say things like, ‘Your boys are here, sir,’ or ‘We are greeting you, sir.’ These are subtle ways of soliciting for tips. It doesn’t portray our country in a good light. Please, let them know that such behaviour must stop,” he added.
According to the senator, repeated greetings and suggestive remarks from airport workers amount to unprofessional conduct that gives foreigners the wrong impression of Nigeria.
He continued, “When they say ‘Your boys are here’ or greet you three times, we all know what it means. These are the areas I want you to look into, especially now that we’ll be hosting international guests soon.”
However, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, countered the senator’s claims, saying there had been major improvements in the aviation sector.
“I just returned from South Africa through our international airport, and I can confirm that things have changed. Nobody asked me for anything. Nigeria is improving,” Neliaku said, assuring foreign delegates that the nation’s image was being restored.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also commended Keyamo’s reforms, describing them as “unprecedented.”
“I appreciate the Minister of Aviation. The transformation at our airports under his leadership is impressive. He has made us proud,” Idris said.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, highlighted technological innovations that have streamlined airport processes.
“When you arrive now, you simply scan your passport, and the system captures your details. If there’s an issue, you’re called aside for verification. This aligns with international best practices,” Adeniyi explained.
In response, Keyamo assured stakeholders that the ministry would ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors during the 2026 World Public Relations Forum.
“We’ll make sure all guests arriving in Nigeria are received in a warm and professional manner. Our airports will reflect the best image of the country,” he said.
He also revealed plans to create a VVIP department at all international airports to enhance the reception of high-profile visitors.
The World Public Relations Forum, scheduled for November 2026 at Eagle Square, Abuja, is expected to be the largest global PR gathering in Nigeria’s history, attracting top communication experts, diplomats, and government officials from around the world.
