Popular social media activist VeryDarkMan has brought to light allegations of widespread extortion at the country’s airports. The expose, which surfaced on October 8, 2024, features a distressed passenger’s tearful account of being forced to pay exorbitant and allegedly illegal fees for her luggage.
As the sun rose over Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday morning, an ordinary travel day turned into a nightmare for one passenger. In a video that has since gone viral, a visibly distraught woman recounts her harrowing experience with airport staff.
“They demanded N5,000 per bag,” the woman says, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. “I’ve never encountered such blatant extortion in all my years of traveling.”
The footage, which has been viewed over 500,000 times in less than 24 hours, shows a heated exchange between the passenger and airport personnel. The confrontation paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by travelers in Nigeria’s busiest airports.
Known for his no-holds-barred approach to social activism, VeryDarkMan wasted no time in amplifying the woman’s plight. Taking to his social media platforms with over 2 million followers, he directed his message straight to the top.
“Minister Festus Keyamo, when did you add these charges to passengers’ bags?” VeryDarkMan questioned in his post, tagging the Minister of Aviation. If true, will we soon pay for the air we breathe in Nigeria?”
The activist’s involvement has catapulted the issue into the national spotlight, prompting calls for an immediate investigation into airport practices.
In a testament to her resolve, the woman in the video declared her willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to bring attention to the alleged extortion.
I’ll pay up to N1 million to popular blogs if that’s what it takes to expose this injustice,” she stated, her voice gaining strength as she spoke.
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This bold statement has resonated with many Nigerians who have long harbored suspicions about unofficial fees at the country’s airports.
As news of the allegations spread, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a preliminary statement.
“We take these accusations very seriously,” said NCAA spokesperson Akin Olateru. A thorough investigation has been launched, and we assure the public that any staff found guilty of extortion will face severe consequences.
Meanwhile, airport workers’ unions have urged caution, warning against a rush to judgment before all facts are known.
“While we do not condone any form of extortion, it’s crucial to understand the full context of the situation,” stated Abioye Olayinka, Secretary-General of the National Union of Air Transport Employees.
The incident has ignited a fierce debate on social media platforms about the state of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Many citizens have come forward with their own stories of alleged mistreatment at airports.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” tweeted @NigerianTraveler. We need a complete overhaul of airport management and stricter oversight.
Others have called for the implementation of transparent fee structures and the installation of CCTV cameras in all areas where passengers interact with staff.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are on Minister Festus Keyamo and the aviation authorities. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s airports.
VeryDarkMan, for his part, has vowed to continue shining a light on the issue. “This isn’t about one passenger or one incident,” he stated in a follow-up post. It’s about ensuring that every Nigerian can travel without fear of exploitation.
With public pressure mounting and an official investigation underway, the coming days are likely to be crucial for the future of airport operations in Nigeria. As travelers, airport staff, and officials alike await the outcome, one thing is clear: the spotlight on airport practices is unlikely to dim anytime soon.
