In a decisive move, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has issued a stern warning, vowing to sanction personnel within the agency, staff of government entities, and others found guilty of extorting travellers.
The announcement comes in response to numerous reports of airport workers engaging in extortion, particularly targeting international travellers.
During a one-day sensitization program on the Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) initiative at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) on Monday, December 4, Mohammed disclosed FAAN’s proactive approach to curbing these malpractices. He revealed the deployment of “mystery staff” at the country’s four international airports to monitor and report any illicit activities by airport personnel.
The Managing Director emphasized that the mystery staff’s responsibility includes vigilant observation of airport staff conduct, with a commitment to reporting such observations to the management. Mohammed warned that individuals caught engaging in extortion during the festive Yuletide season would face disciplinary consequences.
Addressing representatives from various government agencies operating at the airport, including Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Police, Mohammed urged them to uphold the highest standards in their daily activities. Emphasizing the need for collaboration among different agencies at the airport, he stated, “We are one airport, and if there’s any wrongdoing, people don’t bother to know which agency did the wrong. They only know the airport where they were wronged.”
The FAAN Managing Director’s directive reflects a comprehensive effort to ensure the integrity and reputation of Nigerian airports, emphasizing accountability and collaboration among the personnel involved.
