“Anything for Me?”

Lagos airport, arrivals. I came through with Motorola-labelled luggage, and a customs officer pulled me over and started asking what I was carrying. At some point he asked: “Anything for me?”

I looked at his name badge and used his name. “I didn't know I would be meeting you today, so unfortunately I don't have anything to give you. Forgive my oversight. I will try to remember for next time.”

He let me pass. No refusal he could take offence at, no lecture, and no word no. He kept his face. I kept my rule.