Lagos. The sound hits you first. Then the heat. And if you are not prepared, the chaos of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport arrivals can ruin your first hour in Nigeria before you even step outside.
I have been through this airport more times than I can count. And I have seen first-time visitors get completely stuck—confused about which queue to join, haggling with porters they did not ask for, or paying triple for a taxi because they were too tired to think straight.
The good news? You can get through arrivals smoothly. You just need a plan.
Before You Land – Small Things That Save Big Headaches
Get your documents ready while the plane is taxiing. Do not wait until you are standing in the immigration line.
Keep your passport, visa (if required), and the yellow fever vaccination card in one place. The vaccination card matters more than people think. Officers do check randomly, and without it, you could be sent to a corner to pay a fine or get a jab on the spot.
Also, keep a pen in your pocket. You will need to fill out the arrival declaration card. The plane crew hands these out. Fill it before you land. Do not be the person searching for a pen at the counter while ten people wait behind you.
The Walk To Immigration – Follow The Crowd, But Not Too Close
When you step off the plane, you will walk down a ramp or a long corridor. There is only one way to go, so you cannot get lost.
But here is where people make their first mistake. They rush. They push. They think getting to the immigration hall five seconds faster matters. It does not. Walk at a normal pace. Let the impatient ones run ahead. You will all end up in the same queue anyway.
The walk can feel long, especially if you land at the far gates. Just keep moving. The signs are clear. Look for the word “Arrivals” or follow everyone else carrying suitcases.
Immigration – Pick The Right Queue
The immigration hall is a long room with many counters. You will see two main lines: one for Nigerian passport holders and one for everyone else.
If you are a foreigner or a non-Nigerian resident, go to the “Other Passports” or “Foreigners” side. Do not try to join the Nigerian line. It will not save time. They will send you back.
Keep your passport open to the photo page. Have your arrival card ready. When you get to the officer, stand calmly. Do not talk unless asked. Answer simple questions like “What is the purpose of your visit?” or “How long will you stay?” Keep your answers short and direct.
Sometimes officers take longer. Sometimes there is a system delay. Do not show frustration. Smile if you can. Patience here gets you through faster than complaining.
Baggage Claim – Where Your Real Test Begins
After immigration, you walk down to the baggage hall. This is where the airport feels most chaotic.
Look at the screens to see which carousel has your flight. But here is a tip: the screens are not always updated. Listen for the announcements. And watch what other people from your flight are doing. If everyone moves to carousel 4, you move too.
Do not stand right at the belt. Stand a few steps back. Let the crowd push and grab. You will see your bag eventually. Trying to fight for a front spot only gets your ankles bruised by rolling suitcases.
If your bag does not come after 40 minutes, find the desk for your airline. Do not panic. Bags get delayed often. They will take your information and arrange delivery. Save the reference number they give you.
One more thing – bring a trolley immediately. Do not wait until your bag arrives. The trolleys are near the entrance of the baggage hall. Grab one early because they disappear fast.
Customs – Green Lane vs Red Lane
Once you have your bags, you walk toward the customs area.
You will see two lanes. Green means nothing to declare. Red means you have items to declare like large amounts of cash, commercial goods, or restricted items.
For most travellers, you go green. Walk through confidently. Do not look nervous. Officers sometimes stop people randomly for bag checks. If they ask to open your bag, stay calm and let them. Do not argue. Do not offer money. Just cooperate.
Sometimes porters or unofficial “helpers” will approach you here and offer to carry your bags through customs for a fee. Say no clearly. “No thank you” and keep walking. If you let them touch your bag, they will not leave until you pay.
The Arrival Hall – Welcome To The Real Lagos
This is where people get overwhelmed.
The moment you step out, you will hear shouting. People offering taxis, SIM cards, hotels, and things you did not know you needed. Porters grab at your luggage. Men yell “Oga, come this way” from every direction.
Do not stop. Do not make eye contact. Keep walking toward the exit doors. A firm “No, I am fine” or “I have someone waiting” works best. Do not engage in conversation. Every second you stop, two more people will surround you.
If you need a porter, go to the official ones wearing uniforms. They are usually near the trolley return area. Agree on a price before they touch your bag. 500 to 1000 naira is reasonable for helping to the car park. Do not pay more.
Getting a Local SIM Card At The Airport
You will see small booths from MTN, Glo, and Airtel inside the arrival hall before you exit. This is the safest place to buy a SIM card.
The process takes about five minutes. They will ask for your passport. They will take your photo. You pay a small fee – usually around 2000 to 5000 naira for a card with some data.
Do not buy from the men walking around yelling “SIM, SIM” outside. Those are not official. Their cards sometimes do not work, or they register them under fake names, which can get blocked later.
Money Exchange – Do Not Use The Black Market Guys
There will be men offering to exchange your dollars or pounds at “better rates” than the banks. Ignore them.
The rate might look good. But they will shortchange you. They use tricks with folded notes or fast counting. Even experienced travellers get fooled.
Use the official exchange booths inside the arrival hall. Or better, withdraw naira from the ATM machines near the exit. GTBank and Ecobank both have ATMs there. The rate is fair and you get real money.
Transportation From The Airport – Your Biggest Decision
How you leave the airport decides whether your arrival is stressful or smooth.
Pre-booked Ride (Best Choice)
If you have Uber or Bolt on your phone with a working SIM, order a ride. But you cannot get picked up directly outside the arrival hall. You have to walk to the ride-hailing pickup zone. It is a short walk – follow the signs or ask a security officer.
Do not stand at the main exit waiting for your driver. They cannot stop there. You will waste 20 minutes texting back and forth.
Official Airport Taxi
Inside the arrival hall, before you exit, there is a counter for official airport taxis. They are more expensive – expect 15,000 to 25,000 naira to go to Victoria Island or Ikoyi. But they are safe. You pay inside, get a receipt, and someone escorts you to the car.
If you are tired and do not want to negotiate, this is your best option.
The Touts Outside – Avoid
Do not follow the men shouting “Taxi, taxi” outside. They will quote 10,000 naira, then change it to 30,000 when your bags are in the trunk. Or they take you to an unmarked car with no seatbelts.
Just say no and keep moving.
If Someone Is Picking You Up
Tell them to wait at the departure ramp upstairs. Seriously. The arrival area is a traffic nightmare. Departures is usually clearer. You walk up the ramp, find their car in five minutes, and leave. This trick alone saves an hour of waiting.
Pro Tips That Experienced Travellers Use
Keep 10,000 to 20,000 naira in small notes in your pocket before you land. You cannot always find an ATM. And you do not want to hand over a 50 dollar bill for a bottle of water.
Take a photo of your passport, visa, and arrival stamp on your phone. If you lose your passport later, this helps at the embassy.
Bring an empty water bottle through security. Fill it after you land. The heat outside is real. Dehydration makes everything feel worse.
Wear slip-on shoes. You take them off at security in your departure airport, but also walking through a hot tarmac and long corridors in lace-up boots is miserable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free WiFi at MMIA arrivals?
There is a free WiFi network, but it rarely works. Do not count on it. Have your offline maps and ride-sharing apps ready before you land.
How long does it take to clear arrivals?
On a good day, one hour. On a bad day with multiple flights landing at once, three hours. Plan your pickup or ride booking accordingly.
Can I buy a SIM card at midnight?
The official booths close when the last flight arrives, usually around 2am. If you land very late, you may have to wait until morning or buy from a hotel.
What if my airline lost my baggage?
Go directly to the airline desk in the baggage hall. Fill out a report. Keep a copy. Most bags arrive on the next flight within 48 hours. Do not leave the airport without filing the report.
Is the airport safe for solo female travellers?
The airport itself is safe with security present. The arrival hall can be intense because of the touts. Stay near other passengers. Walk with purpose. If you feel uncomfortable, ask a uniformed security officer for help to your car.
The Bottom Line
Murtala Muhammed International Airport arrivals will never be smooth like Singapore or Dubai. That is not the goal. The goal is to get through without losing your money, your patience, or your luggage.
Keep your documents ready. Pick the right queue. Say no firmly to touts. Use the official taxi or a pre-booked ride. And remember – everyone around you is dealing with the same chaos. Breathe. Move with purpose. You will be in the car with the AC on before you know it.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before your first arrival at MMIA? Drop it in the comments. It might help the next person reading this.
