FG cracks down on passengers’ harassment at airports by agencies, announces new measures

In response to a recent spike in passengers’ harassment, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), has approved some measures to stop government agencies from harassing travellers at Nigeria’s international airports.

The measures were proposed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Persecondnews reports that the minister took to X on Thursday to announce the rollout of “Operation Air Clean,” an initiative aimed at eliminating corrupt practices and enhancing service delivery, among other things.

According to the regulation, personnel from the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will collaborate with Aviation Security (AVSEC) at screening points and also perform random checks within the arrival hall.

Reforms at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) are divided into two key areas: Enhanced Security Measures: The airport will dismantle joint inspection tables and replace them with intelligence-led searches and advanced scanners.

The move aims to expedite security checks and improve the overall security process.

Streamlined Passenger Processing: To alleviate congestion, the airport will consolidate checkpoints and integrate counters for the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration Service.

This will simplify the passenger processing experience and reduce wait times.

Additionally, Keyamo approved the activation of mobile courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders, particularly touts, and a zero-tolerance policy to be enforced against Bureau de Change operators and car-hire personnel engaging in unauthorised activities.

As part of the reforms, the FAAN will unveil upgraded airport facilities, featuring enhanced lighting, clear signage, complimentary Wi-Fi for passengers, and designated meet-and-greet zones.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, urged stakeholders and the public to back “Operation Air Clean,” emphasizing that collective effort is crucial to establishing a secure, efficient, and passenger-friendly airport ecosystem.

The minister and FAAN have indeed made efforts to tackle touting, extortion, and other illicit activities in Nigeria’s airports.

On June 22, FAAN’s Managing Director, Kuku, announced the launch of a task force aimed at eradicating all illegal activities within Nigeria’s airports.

Kuku announced that Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at FAAN, will lead the initiative as Chairman of the task force, leveraging his extensive experience in human capital development, project management, and consultancy.

According to her, the task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

The MD also warned all airport personnel, including FAAN staff, that strict disciplinary actions would be enforced against anyone involved in illicit practices.

She said the era for business is over, emphasising the administration’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

Also, Keyamo, had on November 24, while on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, said his ministry has formally complained to the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the persistent harassment of Nigerians by certain security agents at airports across Nigeria.

The minister revealed that the NSA has procured approximately 1,000 body cameras, designed to enhance monitoring and accountability among security agencies operating at Nigerian airports.

Keyamo disagreed with calls for most of the security agencies to be pulled out of the airports but said their operations must be monitored to ensure that it meets the standard required.