Immigration officer withdrawn after caught begging passenger for money at Lagos Airport

An official from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) stationed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has been removed from duty following a viral video that captured him soliciting money from a passenger.

The 50-second video shows the immigration officer attempting to extort an expatriate tourist, repeatedly asking, “What do you have for us?” Despite the passenger’s efforts to avoid the situation, the official persisted in his demand.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, prompting a swift response from airport authorities. In a statement, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed her shock and disappointment over the incident, labeling the officer’s behavior as “disturbing” and “unacceptable.”

“I have seen the disturbing video circulating of a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) official begging a passenger for money at the airport,” Kuku said. “This behavior is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the passenger experience we hope to provide at our terminals.”

She confirmed that the officer involved has been immediately withdrawn from the terminal and is now facing disciplinary action under the NIS.

Kuku reassured travelers of FAAN’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism among all personnel working at Nigeria’s airports. She encouraged passengers to report any similar incidents, emphasizing that their safety and comfort remain top priorities.

“We will take every necessary step to ensure a pleasant travel experience for everyone,” she concluded, urging passengers to utilize the provided phone numbers and QR codes to report any misconduct or seek support.

This incident has reignited discussions about the conduct of airport officials and the importance of maintaining a corruption-free environment at Nigeria’s entry points.

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