FG scraps joint inspection, activates mobile court to curb illicit activities in Lagos airport

The federal government has approved measures aimed at curbing harassment faced by travellers with various agencies of government stationed at airports.

In a post on X on Thursday, Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, said he approved the measures on Wednesday.

Keyamo said the measures were necessary after receiving several complaints about harassment faced at airports.

“Yesterday, I approved some far-reaching measures by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) aimed at curbing the menace of harassment of travelers by various agencies of government stationed at our international airports,” he posted.

“We have received too many complaints and it is time to act decisively!.” 

FG LAUNCHES OPERATION AIR CLEAN 

According to documents posted by the minister, after a high-level meeting chaired by Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of FAAN, and heads of agencies, taskforce, and FAAN directors, ‘Operation Air Clean’ has been launched to address critical challenges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the general aviation terminal (GAT).

“These measures, fully endorsed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, are designed to eliminate corrupt practices, curb illicit activities, and enhance the travel experience, particularly during the high-volume end- of-year travel season,” the document reads.

ELIMINATION OF JOINT INSPECTION, REAL-TIME SCREENS IN PROFILING ROOMS

In promoting transparency and streamlining inspection processes, the aviation authority said it will eliminate joint inspection tables at MMIA.

“There shall be immediate dissolution of joint inspection tables by security agencies, transition to intelligence-based searches, scanners, and individual profiling, and development of a dedicated area for camera-based passenger observation,” FAAN said.

Also, to streamline passenger processing, the agency said the Department of States Service (DSS) and immigration service personnel will now share counters to reduce checkpoints for outbound passengers, enhancing travel flow.

“Customs will relocate to the AVSEC screening point for money declaration,” the agency said.

“Transparency in Search Procedures: On arriving, secondary screening will be done in a profiling room. The rooms will be situated at Terminal 1 and 2.

“Real-time screens will be installed in the profiling rooms, displaying the names, agencies, and contact details of officers on duty to ensure transparency.”

MOBILE COURT, SHUT DOWN OF DEFAULTING BUSINESSES

In redefining agency roles and business activities, FAAN said the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) personnel will partner with the aviation security (AVSEC) at screening points and conduct roving checks in the arrival hall.

On the other hand, “DSS officers will rove around the departure and screening areas”.

The agency also said there would be an immediate activation of a mobile court to expedite the prosecution of offenders, especially touts.

FAAN said there would be zero tolerance for misconduct, adding that there would be immediate prosecution of any bureau de change operator (BDC) or car-hire staff found loitering or engaging in unauthorised activities.

“Also, the immediate prosecution of any BDC or Car-hire staff found outside of the designated areas,” the airport authority said.

“Defaulting businesses will also face shutdowns and withdrawals of rights to operate in terminals.”

At the MMIA, FAAN said there would be improved lighting for landside and concourse areas as well as large signs enforcing a three-minute pickup rule and promoting free WiFi for passengers.

TIMED PARKING SYSTEM, REGULATED CAR HIRE SERVICES

Other measures to be taken by the aviation authority is to introduce a parking system requiring payment for short and long-term parking.

The agency also intends to regulate car-hire vehicles.

According to FAAN, a limited number of car hire vehicles will be allowed in the car park at any time.

FAAN said all measures will be enforced to eliminate touting and harassment of passengers by drivers.