Getting transportation after landing in Nigeria should be straightforward, but travellers should be careful about accepting rides from unknown people approaching them inside or around the airport.
Airport transportation scams can involve fake drivers, inflated fares, unofficial operators or people pretending to be airport greeters. UK travel advice specifically warns travellers arriving at Nigerian international airports to make sure an expected driver properly identifies themselves because criminals posing as greeters are a known problem.
Planning your airport transfer before travelling is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of being approached by an unknown driver.
Travo.ng for Pre-Arranged Airport Transportation
Travo.ng provides travel, transportation and logistics services that allow travellers to arrange applicable airport pickup before arriving in Nigeria.
Instead of landing and immediately negotiating with people offering transportation, you can arrange your transportation requirements beforehand and have the relevant booking information available when you arrive.
Common Airport Taxi Scams to Watch For
Travellers should be cautious of:
Fake Airport Drivers
Someone may approach you in the arrivals area claiming to be the driver sent to collect you.
Do not enter a vehicle simply because someone knows your name. Verify the driver’s identity and vehicle details against the information provided for your booking.
Official travel advice warns that bogus greeters and drivers can operate around Nigerian international airports.
Inflated Taxi Fares
An informal driver may quote a price that is significantly higher than expected, particularly when they realise that a passenger is unfamiliar with the area.
The U.S. State Department advises travellers to negotiate fares in advance when using traditional taxis and notes reports of overcharging and scams.
Unsolicited Offers Inside the Airport
Be cautious when someone you did not contact approaches you and immediately offers to drive you somewhere.
A safer approach is to use transportation that you arranged beforehand through a trusted provider, hotel or other reliable contact.
Driver and Vehicle Mismatch
If someone says they are your driver but the name, vehicle or other identifying information does not match your booking, do not assume the person is legitimate.
Verify the details before entering the vehicle.
How to Verify Your Airport Driver
Before getting into the vehicle, confirm:
- Driver’s name
- Vehicle details
- Booking information
- Your destination
- Relevant pickup instructions
If the information does not match, contact the transportation provider through the appropriate contact channel before proceeding.
Agree on the Price Before Travelling
If you are using a taxi or other transportation where the fare is not prepaid, establish the fare before entering the vehicle.
The U.S. State Department recommends negotiating taxi fares upfront, while Canadian travel advice also recommends confirming the fare in advance.
Pre-arranging an airport transfer can make the pricing arrangement clearer before you arrive.
Avoid Random Street Taxis
Do not feel pressured to accept the first vehicle offered to you outside the airport.
The U.S. State Department warns that traditional taxis may lack driver verification and GPS tracking, while UK guidance recommends using trusted transportation options rather than relying on unverified taxis.
Be Careful with Your Luggage
Keep your luggage with you and avoid handing your bags to strangers who approach you without being asked.
If you need assistance, establish who is providing the service and what the charge is before accepting it.
Airport Pickup for First-Time Visitors
First-time visitors to Nigeria are particularly likely to benefit from arranging transportation in advance because they may not know the airport layout, local transportation options or normal routes and fares.
A pre-arranged airport pickup means you can focus on completing your arrival procedures and collecting your luggage instead of negotiating transportation with strangers.
Airport Pickup for Nigerians Returning Home
Nigerians returning from abroad can also arrange their airport transportation before travelling.
This can be useful during busy periods such as:
- Christmas
- Easter
- Summer holidays
- Weddings
- Family visits
- Religious events
Having transportation organised before departure can reduce the need to negotiate with unknown drivers after landing.
Airport Pickup for Family, Friends and Guests
You can also arrange transportation for someone else.
For example, you can arrange applicable airport pickup for:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
- Friends
- Clients
- Company staff
- Wedding guests
- International visitors
Give the traveller the relevant booking and pickup information before their journey so they know what to expect after landing.
Airport Pickup for Business Travellers
Companies can arrange airport transportation for executives, employees, clients and international business visitors.
This can be particularly useful when the traveller has meetings or other commitments shortly after landing.
How to Avoid Airport Taxi Scams in Nigeria
- Arrange your airport transportation before travelling whenever practical.
- Use a reputable transportation provider, trusted hotel or other reliable contact.
- Keep your booking details accessible.
- Verify the driver’s identity before entering the vehicle.
- Confirm the vehicle details.
- Do not accept an unsolicited ride simply because someone claims to be your driver.
- Agree on the fare before travelling when the transfer is not prepaid.
- Keep your luggage under your control.
- Avoid sharing a taxi with strangers.
- Be particularly cautious when arriving late at night.
- If something does not match your booking, stop and verify it before entering the vehicle.
Canadian travel advice similarly recommends avoiding street-hailing, confirming the driver’s identity and licence plate, not sharing taxis with strangers and arranging airport pickup with reliable contacts or reputable private chauffeurs.
If Something Goes Wrong
If you believe you have encountered a scam or have a complaint about airport services, seek assistance from the appropriate airport customer-service desk.
FAAN states that customer-service desks are available in arrival and departure halls at its airports and provides channels for passenger complaints.
Why Choose Travo.ng?
Travo.ng combines travel, transportation and logistics services, allowing travellers to organise applicable airport transportation before arrival.
For passengers concerned about airport taxi scams, arranging transportation in advance provides an opportunity to establish the transportation details before reaching the airport rather than relying on unsolicited offers after landing.
Final Thoughts
The best way to avoid airport taxi scams in Nigeria is to avoid making rushed transportation decisions after landing.
Arrange your airport pickup beforehand, keep your booking information accessible, verify the driver’s identity and vehicle before entering, and confirm the fare when applicable.
With Travo.ng, travellers, families, businesses and hosts can arrange applicable airport transportation in advance based on the passenger’s flight, arrival airport, destination, luggage and specific requirements, subject to vehicle and service availability.
