The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has reiterated its directive to dismantle manual search tables at screening points in the international terminal of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
FAAN directed security operatives to use technology-driven screening equipment for inspecting passengers’ luggage, emphasizing the need for more efficient and modernized airport security measures.
The agency has also directed Aviation Security officials to implement strict measures to prevent touts from loitering around Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in a bid to improve security and maintain order.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah.
According to the statement, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who gave the directive announced that management would deploy mystery shoppers with body cameras to evaluate the performance of officials at both arrival and departure security and screening areas.
Kuku also directed AVSEC officials to address the ongoing issues of touting and passenger harassment at airport screening points, adding that the directive has the full support of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
FAAN said that the managing director convened a crucial meeting with the heads of all security agencies at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and directed them to do everything possible to ensure that touts were driven out of the nation’s busiest airport.
“At the meeting, Mrs Kuku launched ‘Operation AirClean,’ making it clear that she has the full backing of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN.
“She emphasised the urgency to clean up airport terminals and eliminate unpatriotic practices among officers. Her call to action for the leaders of security agencies was straightforward: it is no longer business as usual.
“The initiative was developed to improve collaboration among agencies and to streamline passenger search processes, ultimately enhancing the overall travel experience. It also aims to eliminate extortion and harassment of passengers, as well as to completely eradicate touting activities at the airport,” the statement said.
FAAN stated that the meeting was highly participatory, with representatives from various agencies proposing concrete solutions to improve services, enhance the passenger experience, and eliminate touting and solicitation at the airport.
“The heads of the security agencies committed to heightened oversight of their officers, ensuring accountability on duty. It was also resolved that secure and designated area will be provided as a waiting area for visitors while mobile courts will be set up for expedited persecution of offenders.
“Mrs Kuku reaffirmed that FAAN directors would actively engage in monitoring efforts, and existing task forces were directed to intensify their activities. Any officer found guilty of misconduct must be reported to their agency head without delay,” FAAN stated.
The meeting featured representatives from the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Quarantine Service, Nigerian Police Force, Directorate of Security Services, Nigerian Customs Service, and Aviation Security Services.
