Murtala Muhammed International Airport
My faith has been renewed - there are still many honest people in Nigeria, particularly at our airports.
On the evening of Wednesday 11 December 2013, I checked in 3 suitcases from London Heathrow Airport en route to Lagos, at the Virgin Atlantic counter. I had a cabin luggage with me and my handbag! Trust us Nigerians, we hardly travel light! On getting to Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), it took over one hour to collect our suitcases. At the luggage carousel, I waited patiently like other passengers but after a while, I was becoming impatient. As soon as I saw my last suitcase, I quickly grabbed and loaded it on the trolley with my handbag and headed for the exit.
I saw the Customs Officers' table and quickly increased my pace. It was too early in the morning and just did not want to be harassed by the usual greeting - 'Madam, welcome. Anything for us?' I was in no mood to entertain such 'friendliness'. I tried to walk past but one lady was persistent by screaming out - 'Madam, this way please'. They like to exert unnecessary authority but then I am mindful that they have to do their job. So, I moved towards the lady Officer's table. My facial expression was very obvious - not in the mood, mate! So, I guess the lady thought if that is the case, 'it's you and I today'! She asked what I had in my suitcases and I responded -"personal effects". She asked me to state what they were and I told her it was unnecessary, I would save time by opening ALL the suitcases. In that time, I made a mental note of her features, the local dialect she spoke and made it obvious that I had seen her nametag. She eventually let me go without even bothering to inspect the first suitcase. I was glad and made for the exit. The last point of inspection was to ensure my luggage tags tallied with the labels on my suitcases.
I finally got in the car and headed straight for my destination. I had breakfast and about an hour later, decided to do some work. I looked around me with sweat breaking up all over my face. I realised my laptop was missing! Wow! ‘Where did I put it?’ I asked myself. I looked around my suitcases and it dawned on me that I had forgotten my cabin luggage at the luggage carousel! Sacred bleu! After three hours? Good Lord! All my jewellery was in the suitcase! My laptop! My iPad! Important documents! My heart started racing! I am in NIGERIA! If it were somewhere else in Europe or America, the worst case scenario would have been an explosion of the suitcase. It would have been blown up to pieces for security reasons but in a country like Nigeria, it is always a different story!
I was reminded of a heart-wrenching incident story 23 years ago, at the same airport where all my jewelleries including expensive wristwatches were stolen from my suitcase. I was attending several weddings. The bag was slashed open. I cried endlessly but no one could do anything for me. Like other Nigerians who had encountered similar mishap, I just had to accept that I was a victim of the 'plague' at the time.
I quickly headed straight for the airport. I explained the reason for my visit to the Security personnel (Mr. Ikhania) at the entrance. I was surprised at how they empathised with me - not unusual in other climes but in Nigeria? I was advised to check at the Custom Officers' desk. On getting there, I met a lovely lady officer (Madam Ogbuine) who was very sympathetic and tried to allay my fears. She directed me to the office of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO). The NAHCO Officer asked me if there was any tag on the bag and I said no. She explained that without a tag, it was impossible to locate the missing suitcase. She therefore advised me to visit the Virgin Atlantic (VA) office. I was almost in tears at this time but tried to maintain my dignity. She told me not to worry that I would find it. I almost ran to the VA office, as that was my last hope. I described the suitcase and its contents. Few minutes later, my beloved suitcase appeared! I could not believe it! I was asked for my Passport and Airline Ticket, which were duly submitted. The Passport was photocopied and I was asked to make a statement that I had personally collected the suitcase. My signature was verified. Boy! You needed to see the Epistle I wrote to show my elation. The officer had to tell me - "Madam, it's all right". Then I remembered I had not opened it. The suitcase did not have any padlock on it! So anyone could have tampered with the contents. I rummaged through it checking all my jewellery and wrist watches. I felt I was watching a movie. Everything was intact!
I gave the officer (Madam Esther) an envelope to write her name on it. She went into the back office and returned with a VA Customer Services leaflet. She showed me the contents of the envelope I had just given her. It contained foreign currency! If she was not honest, she could have either kept the money or taken some of it. I would not have known because I had totally forgotten that I put some money in the envelope! I am very lucky but very proud that there are still honest Nigerians.
I had to remind myself I was in Nigeria. Since this incident, I have been noting various aspects, which have changed for good. It is a long way to go but I am confident Nigeria is gradually about to reclaim its position as the 'Giant of Africa'. Yes, this is one of many challenging aspects that urgently require change. Slowly but surely, the journey of a thousand miles has surely begun with several, not single, steps.
PS: I have purposely revealed identities of the people concerned, in this write-up so as to encourage and embrace the culture of honesty, accountability and appreciation of diligent citizens.
- Anne-Funmi Fatusin is a freelance writer based in the United Kingdom.