It is quite becoming a way of life the way people beg these days in offices and other workplaces, both public and private. One cannot enter any office without being forced to drop money by the workers in manners that make many who do that regret afterward. In hotels, starting from the porter to the receptionist to the barman and security, everybody is targeting customers’ bags. In state and federal secretariats, it seems to be the worst, but visit any Government House—be it federal, state, or local government—that is where you see most of them. These guys wear suits and pretend to be okay but still, ha kacha achọ akpa mmadụ in big men’s manners. What surprises is the guts to reject some tips on the premise that they are very small and demeaning.
It does not end there. In hospitals, from the nurses to the lab attendants and even the cleaners, everyone has turned into an expert in stylish begging. Patients who are already struggling with medical bills now have to factor in “something for the boys” just to get proper attention. Some of these health workers won’t even look at you twice if you don’t “shake body.” Even in pharmacies, a mere purchase of drugs is not complete without the cashier stylishly demanding “something for the weekend.” At motor parks and airports, the story is the same. Conductors and loaders have perfected the act of cornering passengers for extra cash, while uniformed officers stationed at airport gates won’t let you pass without greasing their palms. Even immigration officers, who are supposed to uphold order, have joined in. They flash fake smiles and offer unnecessary assistance just to corner a few naira. For those traveling abroad, the struggle is real—some officers won’t hesitate to delay a passenger for hours if their “appreciation” is not well packaged.
Then, there are banks, the supposed citadels of financial integrity. One would think bankers are well-paid, yet some of them—security men, cashiers, and even customer service reps—have also joined this game. Some security guards block entrances, pretending to assist customers while angling for tips. Inside the banking hall, certain staff develop a sudden fondness for “big customers,” making unnecessary small talk just to secure a payout. Even in ATMs, some desperate guys stand around, subtly pleading for “small something” as if withdrawing money is a charity event.
The reality is that this culture of stylish begging is gradually eroding professionalism and dignity in many workplaces. What started as subtle requests has now become an outright demand, making honest transactions feel like a toll gate experience. Instead of focusing on service delivery, many workers are more concerned with what they can extract from visitors, customers, or clients. If left unchecked, this attitude will continue to breed inefficiency, entitlement, and a lack of work ethics. It is time for individuals and organizations to reset their values, restore integrity, and ensure that workplaces remain places of productivity, not informal marketplaces for begging.
By: Sebastine Okafor Chukwuebuka Bookastro
