If you’ve ever traveled through a Nigerian airport, then you know the real battle isn’t just with immigration or security. No, the biggest showdown happens at the check-in counter, where the airport scales turn into unexpected enemies.

I learned this the hard way.

The Weight That Doubled Overnight

Before heading to the airport, I had done my homework. Weighed my bags multiple times. Used three different scales at home. Even borrowed a neighbor’s digital scale just to be sure. Everything was perfect.

23kg per bag. No more, no less.

But the moment I placed my bags on the airport scale, wahala started.

“Oga, your bag is overweight.”

Overweight how? The same bag that was exactly 23kg at home? Now it was suddenly 28kg? Where did the extra weight come from?

I looked at the scale. I looked at the airline official. I looked back at the scale. Something wasn’t adding up.

The Airport Scale Conspiracy

I wasn’t alone. A quick glance around and I saw fellow passengers having the same argument.

One lady was almost in tears because her suitcase, which had passed check-in at Heathrow, was suddenly overweight in Lagos.

Another guy removed a pair of jeans, a sweater, and a power bank, weighed the bag again—somehow, it was still overweight!

“Madam, you need to pay for excess baggage.”

She sighed and muttered under her breath, “This scale is from hell.”

At that moment, I realized—this wasn’t just a one-time experience. This was a pattern.

Lessons from the Airport Scale Saga

1. Always leave a 3kg buffer
If your airline allows 23kg per bag, pack only 20kg from home. That extra 3kg is for the “airport scale tax.”

2. Always carry a smaller bag
If you have multiple suitcases, make sure at least one is around 15kg. That way, when they hit you with the “your bag is overweight” line, you can transfer items instead of paying extra.

3. Never trust only one scale
Use at least two different weighing machines at home before heading to the airport. Nigerian airport scales operate on mystery math, so the more backups you have, the better.

4. Keep a straight face
No matter how funny the situation is, do not laugh when arguing with the airline officials. They will think you are unserious and insist on charging you. Maintain eye contact and channel your inner serious person.

The Big Question

What exactly is happening with the Nigerian airport scales?

Because I have traveled back and forth from the UK, and my luggage has always been correct until it touches Nigerian soil.

Are they using a different metric system?
Is there a special gravitational force in our airports?
Or is there a hidden agenda to make passengers pay extra fees?

Till today, this mystery remains unsolved.

But one thing is clear—next time I’m traveling, I’m bringing my own scale. And when the wahala starts, I’ll stand my ground.

Because 1kg is 1kg, no matter where in the world you weigh it. Or… is it?