A Nigerian man's plan for a peaceful Christmas holiday in Delta State took an unexpected turn upon his arrival at Asaba Airport, leading to a decision that has since gone viral online. The traveler, intending to spend the festive season in the state capital, found himself in a standoff with a local taxi driver over an exorbitant fare demand.
The Shocking Airport Encounter
The incident occurred on the evening of December 24, 2025. The man, who identifies as @mrkudez on TikTok, landed at Asaba Airport around 7:30 PM. After disembarking, he sought a taxi for what he described as a short journey to his hotel accommodation located near the airport.
His expectation for a quick and affordable ride was shattered when the driver he flagged quoted a fare of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000). The traveler was immediately unsettled by the price, vehemently refusing to pay an amount he deemed grossly inappropriate for the distance involved.
A Decision to Trek
Faced with what he considered outright exploitation, the man made a firm choice. He declined the taxi ride entirely and opted to walk the distance from the airport to his hotel. Documenting his experience on social media, he highlighted the timeline, noting he was from inside the airport to the main gate by 7:51 PM.
In his online post, he directed a plea to the relevant authorities, stating, "The aviation bodies should try and do something about this airport taxi service prices and bring the prices down." His action and subsequent video have ignited a significant conversation among Nigerians.
Public Outcry and Broader Implications
The story resonated deeply with social media users, who flooded the comments section with reactions that ranged from solidarity to analysis of deeper societal issues. One user, @Tony Kobis, pointed out the irony, noting that the same taxi driver who engages in such practices would likely be the first to blame politicians for the country's problems.
Others provided context on fair pricing. User @Mikolo questioned the type of vehicle involved, suggesting that for a standard car like a Corolla, the fare should not exceed N4,000. Another comment from @dmitri specified that a trip from the airport to the nearby Vinmilan Hotel is less than a three-minute drive, accusing some drivers of behaving like "arm robbers."
The discussion expanded beyond the single incident, with users sharing similar experiences of price gouging at other Nigerian airports. @___dfwRiri recounted trekking from Enugu Airport and still paying N5,000 for a keke ride, after a cab demanded N25,000. @Cyndy Chilly highlighted the general festive season inflation, noting a bus fare that usually costs N300 had skyrocketed to N1,000, leaving many stranded.
Perhaps the most poignant commentary came from @richardesther04, who concluded, "Nah for this comment section I know say no be government be our problem, we are the main problem." This sentiment echoes a broader frustration with internal societal challenges, including greed, that hinder progress.
The viral incident underscores a persistent issue with transportation pricing at Nigerian airports, especially during peak travel periods like Christmas. It raises critical questions about regulation, the ethics of service providers, and the power of consumer resistance, as demonstrated by one man's decision to simply walk away.
