June 16, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A coalition of civil society and human rights organisations has petitioned Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo over allegations of corruption and extortion involving immigration officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a network comprising over 130 civil society groups, accused some immigration officers of exploiting the verification process for Yellow Cards—official international vaccination certificates—to allegedly extort money from travellers arriving in Nigeria.
According to the petition, some passengers have reported being accused of carrying “fake” Yellow Cards and subsequently pressured to make unofficial payments ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 to avoid delays or the confiscation of their documents.
The petition, signed by NHRC Deputy Secretary Yomi Adegbite and Northern Region Coordinator Kudu Abubakar, alleged that the practice has become increasingly common and is tarnishing Nigeria’s image among international travellers.
The coalition explained that the Yellow Card, officially known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), is a World Health Organization-approved document used to verify vaccination status against diseases such as Yellow Fever.
However, the rights groups claim that some officials have turned the verification process into an avenue for illegal financial gain by allegedly questioning valid documents and demanding payments from travellers.
The NHRC also questioned reports that some Nigerians returning from countries where Yellow Card checks are rarely required were still subjected to the process upon arrival.
Describing the situation as a growing concern, the coalition warned that such practices could damage confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and create a negative impression for visitors and returning citizens.
The groups have called on Minister Keyamo to launch an immediate investigation, identify any officials found culpable, and implement measures to prevent future abuses.
The allegations add to ongoing concerns raised by travellers regarding delays, unofficial charges, and alleged misconduct at some of Nigeria’s major airports.
As of the time of this report, immigration authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations.
