Hello, I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, sharing an observation that highlights the struggle many Nigerians face today when it comes to travel. I’m currently at the bustling airport in Barcelona, en route back to Romania before heading to Germany. Here, the airport is full—filled with people moving to and from different places. But just today, I saw a post about our Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and it was unsettling to see how empty it’s become.
Back in Nigeria, the once-crowded international terminals are now largely deserted, and the reason is straightforward: the value of the naira has plummeted, making flight tickets nearly unaffordable for the average Nigerian. On my last flight to Frankfurt, the aircraft was nearly empty. This isn’t because people have stopped wanting to travel; it’s simply that the cost of an international ticket has risen beyond reach. Unfortunately, those responsible for our struggling economy seem unfazed by this issue—they have private jets to move around without experiencing these high costs firsthand.
If this situation isn’t addressed soon, it’s possible that international flights will become even rarer—maybe only once a week. The only ones flying will be the extremely wealthy or those in positions of power, further limiting mobility for ordinary citizens.
So, to those in a position to make a change, I urge you to act quickly. It’s a call to positively influence our environment. And to all of you, remember: we can each be a source of positive influence. I invite you to join my upcoming webinar, Becoming a Person of Influence, on November 8th and 9th. Send a message to +234 8021 21 9262 to register. God bless you, and let’s keep pushing for a better Nigeria.
