The 7 Types of Nigerian Travellers You’ll Meet at the Airport

The Nigerian airport is a movie, and the characters never run out. Whether you’re travelling or just escorting someone, expect drama, comedy, and maybe even spiritual warfare.

From the overly prepared to the comically dramatic, our people are just too unique. 

Let’s take a look at the different types of Nigerian travellers you’re bound to meet at the airport.

The Overdressed Aunty/Uncle

This one is dressed like they’re going for a wedding reception, not boarding a flight to Abuja. 

The Agbada is sweeping the airport floor, gele touching the ceiling, and you’ll smell their perfume before you see them. 

They carry a Gucci bag (original or Aba-made, no one knows), and their shades? Darker than your future if you miss your flight. 

The Overpacker

They came with two checked bags, one carry-on, a backpack, a polythene bag from Shoprite, and possibly a Ghana-Must-Go for backup. 

And guess what? They’re still arguing with the check-in staff about excess luggage fees. 

If you are not careful their carry-on bag would fall from the cabin and hit your head.

The Social Media Influencer

Phone always in hand. Every moment is content: “Hey guys, I’m at the airport now. About to board to London. Life of a baddie!” 

They’ll even film the jollof rice at the airport restaurant and do a TikTok dance while waiting at Gate C5. 

Once everyone is boarding, they are the ones we would be waiting for because they need to take one last pics

Catchphrase: “Pls! Help snap me beside that plane!”

The Confused First-Timer

You can spot them a mile away. They’re holding their passport like it’s gold, looking left and right like someone will collect it from them. 

They ask ten people where the boarding gate is;  “Please, is this where I will enter the plane?” even though it’s boldly written on the screen.

The Professional Businessman

He’s wearing a suit in 35-degree heat, sipping black coffee, and typing furiously on his laptop. Has two phones, an AirPod always stuck in one ear, and doesn’t waste time. 

First to board, first to grab overhead bin space, and first to call his PA after landing. 

The Entire Family

The whole household is travelling, and you’ll know. 

One child is crying, one is running toward the escalator, mummy is shouting “Tolu, come back here!”, and daddy is pushing three trolleys like a supermarket manager. 

The queue slows down when they appear.

The Sharp Guy / Wayo Bros

He’s not traveling but somehow ends up inside the departure area. 

He knows someone who knows someone, and next thing, he’s helping people “fast-track” immigration for a small token. 

He may even be selling SIM cards or doing forex exchange on the low. 

The ‘Loud Prayer Warrior’

This traveller will pray out loud before takeoff, on the tarmac, and even inside the plane: binding spirits of turbulence and commanding angels to pilot the aircraft. 

Everyone is just nodding slowly, hoping the angels answer quickly.

Whether you’re a first-timer, a regular traveler, or a social media vlogger, the Nigerian airport experience is a whole reality show. 

Just remember to come early, travel light, and enjoy the characters—because in Nigeria, even the airport is a cultural festival. 

Have you met any of these Nigerian travellers at the airport while travelling? Maybe you’re even one of them… Join the Travel and Hospitality community on Fusion and tell us all about your experience with them.