Aviation workers have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the removal of the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
This action follows an alleged assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, by Customs officers.
According to a letter by the union on Sunday, the 14-day ultimatum began on March 7, 2025, and will expire on March 21.
Aviation unions comprising ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP, threatened industrial action, condemning what they described as the excessive misconduct of Nigeria Customs Service officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The unions also demanded a reduction in the number of Customs personnel at airports nationwide, particularly at Lagos airport, to align with global standards.
In a joint letter signed by their secretaries, the workers accused Customs officers of abusing the retired Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The unions warned that if the Customs officers are not redeployed within the 14-day ultimatum, aviation workers may not guarantee peace and harmony, especially at Lagos airport.
They also urged FAAN to promptly sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all paramilitary agencies at airports to clearly define their roles and responsibilities.
“The attention of aviation unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another assault on the personnel of the organisation by the Nigeria Customs Services, this time a high-level officer. The Director of Aviation Security Services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
“We wish to make it clear the roles of FAAN in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly stated in the act establishing FAAN. The ugly incident that led to the attack on FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services is one too many among the so many assaults being carried out by customs personnel on the staff of the airport.”
When contacted, the victim, Afegbai, confirmed the incident and described how the Customs officers allegedly overstepped their boundaries at the airport.
He explained that he and some senior FAAN officials had gone to the site of the confrontation to replace a faulty security machine that had been temporarily moved from Enugu airport.
Afegbai said the Customs officers insisted that the machine was illegal and meant for export.
He added that all efforts to explain its purpose were ignored, as a Deputy Controller of Customs, identified simply as Yusuf, ordered reinforcements to harass, molest, and prevent them from installing the machine.
Afegbai said all attempts to explain the machine’s purpose were ignored, as a Deputy Controller of Customs, identified only as Yusuf, ordered reinforcements to harass, molest, and stop them from installing it.
In response, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that both SAHCO and NAHCO, where the clash occurred, are Customs-licensed bonded warehouses.
He did not address the assault allegations but maintained that the two warehouses remain under the control of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Customs spokesperson in his statement said, “In line with the World Customs Organisation’s Safe Framework of Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies, and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment.
“This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy.”
Maiwada added that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“While the service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.”
