Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) has publicly called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to take decisive action against airport officials who engage in subtle demands for money from travelers, labeling the persistent behavior a “national embarrassment.” Speaking at an event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the lawmaker praised Minister Keyamo for visible improvements in the aviation sector but insisted that the conduct of personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other uniformed agencies must be curbed.
Senator Izunaso lamented the professionalism gap, citing specific phrases used by staff: “Honourable Minister, a lot has been said about what you are doing at the airport. When you arrive at the airport now, you just carry your bag and you move in. Good work! That is fantastic. But you also have to look at the personnel, customs, immigration, and all those that work at the airports. You will always hear screams of ‘Your boys are here, Sir!’ or ‘We are greeting you, Sir!’ You know, this does not depict a very good image of our country.”
The lawmaker warned that such persistent behavior, including excessive greetings, paints a poor image of Nigeria before visiting foreigners, a situation he said must be rectified ahead of Nigeria’s hosting of a major global event. He further explained the hidden meaning behind the solicitation: “For us in Nigeria, we know the meaning of ‘Your boys are here.’ Please tell them there will be no ‘Your boys or girls are here.’ There is a way they will be looking at you that makes you know they are asking for something more than their work.” He stressed that this unprofessional practice must cease immediately.
However, the lawmaker’s assertions were immediately countered by Ike Neliaku, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), who insisted that the aviation sector had already witnessed significant improvements under Keyamo’s leadership. Neliaku spoke from personal experience: “I want to confirm that I returned from South Africa and came back through the international airport. There is a lot of improvement. Nobody said ‘Your boys are here’ to me. So, I think Nigeria is changing,” he said, aiming to reassure foreign delegates that the country’s image was improving at its entry points.
Further lending support to the Aviation Minister, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the ongoing reforms at Nigeria’s entry and exit points. “I want to appreciate the Minister of Aviation, the man under whose tenure the entry and exit point of our airports have really transformed. What we are seeing in the Ministry of Aviation is truly unprecedented. Thank you for making us proud, Mr. Festus Keyamo,” Idris stated, underscoring the government’s belief that significant positive change has already occurred.
