Why is FAAN Warning Airport Staff Against Extortion as Festive Travel Surges?

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a stern warning.

This directive cautions airport personnel nationwide against extortion, intimidation, and harassment of passengers. The warning comes as Nigeria's airports prepare for the annual surge in traffic.

Addressing Unethical Conduct

FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, released the official statement. He directed all officers to stop soliciting or demanding money from travellers. Personnel must avoid undue delays, profiling, and obstruction of passengers. The goal is to discharge duties with courtesy, professionalism, and efficiency. FAAN maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unethical conduct and "corporate begging". Any official found engaging in such acts will face disciplinary action. The authority has previously mentioned using "mystery staff" to monitor activities. They have also discussed establishing magistrate courts to prosecute offenders. This demonstrates a serious commitment to reform.

Agbebire stressed that airports are the “nation’s first impression”. This is especially true during the "Detty December" period. This season sees a heavy influx of travellers, including many Nigerians in the diaspora. International arrivals are projected to be strong this year. This rise in festive travel peaks puts immense pressure on airport operations.

Inter-Agency Collaboration and Key Gateways

The warning aligns with the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. FAAN urged all stakeholders to work in harmony. This includes the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, Port Health, Quarantine, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Aviation Security, and ground handlers. Strengthening this inter-agency collaboration is key to a seamless travel experience. FAAN has activated additional operational and security measures. Over 80 extra security personnel were deployed to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. This is to manage the increased passenger traffic and ease congestion.

Focus on Major Hubs

Agbebire singled out two critical gateways for exceptional service delivery:

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

These airports handle the majority of international passenger movements. The concentration of arrivals creates pressure points in processing and baggage handling. This makes the airport staff extortion warning especially critical at these hubs.

Impact on Aviation Stakeholders

This move by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is vital for the entire aviation sector. Passenger harassment warning signals a commitment to global standards. It directly impacts the reputation of Nigerian aviation. A better experience encourages more diaspora travel and investment. Airlines benefit from faster, more efficient passenger flow. This reduces delays and improves on-time performance. The collective responsibility is to transform airports into "havens of joy, safety and efficiency". This is a critical step for Nigerian commercial aviation news and its global standing.