Crossbags, borders, and the gospel according to almajiri officers, by Folorunso Adisa
Last night, under the fluorescent glare of Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s departure lounge, a uniformed officer blocked my path and asked, “How much do you have in your cross-bag, Sir?” I met his gaze and said I had no money. He chuckled, muttered something about “nothing for the boys,” and, satisfied with my answer, waved me along.
Moments later, a second search awaited me near the boarding gate, this time conducted by a woman with brisk efficiency. “Any cash?” she pressed while rifling through my belongings. I repeated my earlier reply. Her eyes danced with misplaced delight. “It is my lucky day; you will transfer, and transfers are always plentier than cash.” I held my silence. She finished the inspection and moved me on. I paid no bribe, neither in naira nor by electronic transfer.
Fast-forward to Edinburgh Airport. A Scottish immigration officer greeted me with a measured smile: “Good morning, Mr Fatai. Returning from Nigeria via France?” I affirmed. He asked about the length of my trip and my field of study. “Media and Communications,” I said, then told him I had already graduated. His response carried no menace, only fellowship. “No problem at all. I am pleased, we are both Strathclyde alumni. Welcome home, mate.” No probing for tips, no veiled requests, just orderly courtesy.
These two encounters expose a troubling disparity. In one airport, uniformed gatekeepers trade dignity for pocket change; in another, officers dispense simple respect. Solicitation has become routine in the corridors that should symbolise Nigerian sovereignty. Why do we still permit corruption to masquerade as culture?
Nigeria must rid herself of “Almajiri officers,” public servants who wear entitlement like a badge and see travelers as walking ATMs.
Until integrity eclipses greed, the honest few risk being drowned in the stench of the many. But hope lingers: each bribe refused, each duty performed with honor, becomes a quiet act of national cleansing.
