Nigeria Keyamo Promises Action Against Extortion at Nigerian International Airports

Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo addresses widespread reports of begging and extortion at international airports, highlighting the negative impact on the country's image. He assures citizens of ongoing efforts with other government bodies to resolve the issue and improve traveler experiences at Nigeria's airports

The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has raised serious concerns about the rampant begging and extortion occurring at the nation's international airports.

On Sunday, Keyamo expressed his distress over these activities through a post on his official X handle, highlighting how these behaviors tarnish the country's image.

Keyamo pointed out that his phone is constantly flooded with messages from concerned citizens who report instances of airport staff soliciting bribes and extorting money from travelers.

This persistent issue has prompted a public outcry, with many Nigerians calling for immediate action to address the unethical conduct at airports.

In his post, the Minister clarified that most of the agencies implicated in these activities are not directly under the jurisdiction of the Aviation Ministry, even though they operate within the airports. This indicates a complex situation where multiple government bodies and agencies are involved.

Despite these challenges, Keyamo assured the public that he is not ignoring the problem. He mentioned that he has been collaborating closely with other ministers, government arms, and relevant agencies to find a solution.

This collaborative effort aims to eradicate the extortion and begging issues plaguing the airports and restore a positive image of Nigeria’s international travel hubs.

Keyamo’s proactive stance and his willingness to work with other parts of the government reflect a commitment to tackling this widespread issue. The public remains hopeful that these efforts will soon lead to significant improvements, ensuring that international travelers can have a more pleasant and dignified experience at Nigerian airports.

In the meantime, the Minister's public acknowledgment of the problem and his transparent communication about the steps being taken to address it have been met with cautious optimism by citizens and frequent travelers.

The aviation sector and its reputation stand to benefit greatly from the successful resolution of these issues.