Senator Izunaso urges Keyamo to stop Airport Officials from begging travellers
Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial District, has called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to put an end to the practice of airport officials soliciting money from travellers—a behaviour he described as “a national embarrassment.”
Izunaso made the appeal during an event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” which also unveiled Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum. The gathering brought together participants from 126 countries.
Commending Keyamo for the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s airports, the senator said that despite visible progress, some personnel from agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service continued to exhibit unprofessional behaviour.
READ ALSO: Senate probes flight delays, cancellations, summons Keyamo
“Honourable Minister, a lot has been said about what you are doing at the airport. When you arrive now, you just pick your bag and go—fantastic work!” Izunaso stated. “But you also need to address the attitude of personnel—customs, immigration, and others—who shout things like, ‘Your boys are here, Sir!’ It doesn’t reflect well on our country’s image.”
He warned that such subtle demands for tips and over-familiar greetings tarnish Nigeria’s reputation, especially before international visitors.
“For us Nigerians, we understand what ‘Your boys are here’ means. Please, let it stop. Sometimes their looks alone show they expect something extra,” he said, urging reforms before Nigeria welcomes delegates for the global forum.
READ ALSO: Minister Keyamo denies rumours of relocating equipment at Aviation College Zaria
However, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, countered that conditions at the airports had significantly improved under Keyamo’s leadership.
“I just returned from South Africa and came through our international airport. Nobody asked for a tip or said, ‘Your boys are here.’ Nigeria is changing,” Neliaku said.
Also commending the improvements, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded Keyamo’s achievements, saying, “What we are seeing in the Ministry of Aviation is truly unprecedented. Thank you for making us proud.”
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, added that the introduction of modern technology was reducing human contact and curbing extortion at entry points.
READ ALSO: Minister Keyamo denies rumours of relocating equipment at Aviation College Zaria
“When you arrive now, you simply scan your passport and the system captures your details. Only those with issues are asked to step aside. This is standard practice worldwide,” he explained.
In his closing remarks, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s readiness to present a positive image to the world ahead of the 2026 forum.
READ ALSO: Aviation Minister Keyamo suspends Dana Airline after runway accident
“Our airports are the country’s first impression. We’re establishing VVIP departments at all international airports to provide excellent experiences for our global guests,” he assured.
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