Taxi & Transport Scams in Lagos, Nigeria
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Lagos — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Mombasa.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Taxi & Transport Scams
10
Total in Lagos
How it works
Individuals at Murtala Muhammed Airport pose as hotel or car service representatives, collecting luggage and passengers before demanding inflated fees or stranding them elsewhere.
How it works
Unlicensed motorcycle taxis (okadas) and unmarked private cars operating as taxis in Lagos have been used to carry out express kidnappings, where victims are driven to ATMs and forced to withdraw cash. Incidents are most common at night in areas including Victoria Island and Surulere, and often follow a victim being followed from a bar or hotel lobby. Perpetrators sometimes pose as legitimate ride-hail drivers with spoofed apps or printed logos.
See all scams in Lagos
10 total warnings across all categories