Osita Izunaso, the senator from Imo West, has requested Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, to caution airport staff against requesting payment from passengers.
The congressman bemoaned that the situation has turned into a national humiliation while speaking at an event with the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
While praising Keyamo for his contributions to the aviation industry, he encouraged the minister to prevent unprofessional behavior by members of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other uniformed agencies.
“A lot has been said about what you are doing at the airport, Honorable Minister,” he continued. You simply carry your bag and check in when you get to the airport these days. Well done! That’s amazing.
However, you also need to consider the staff, immigration, customs, and everyone else who works at the airports. Screams of “Your boys are here, Sir!” or “We are greeting you, Sir!” will never stop. This does not present a very positive picture of our nation, you know.
Before visiting foreigners, the congressman cautioned that such behavior, such as overzealous greetings and subtly soliciting tips, presents a negative image of Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, we understand what it means to say, ‘Your boys are here.'” Tell them there won’t be any “Your boys or girls are here,” please.
He added that the practice needs to end before Nigeria hosts the international event. “There is a way they will be looking at you that makes you know they are asking for something more than their work,” he said.
Ike Neliaku, the president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), refuted the senator’s claims, stating that Keyamo had led to notable advancements in the aviation industry.
“I would like to verify that I arrived back at the international airport after my trip to South Africa. There has been significant progress. No one told me, “Your boys are here.” Therefore, I believe Nigeria is evolving,” Neliaku stated, reassuring international delegates that the nation’s reputation was getting better.
He received support from Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, who commended the reforms at Nigeria’s entry and exit points.
“I would want to express my gratitude to the Minister of Aviation, whose leadership has significantly improved our airports’ entry and departure points. The Ministry of Aviation is going through something that has never happened before. Idris said, “Thank you, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for making us proud.”
