FAAN cautions personnel on extortion, intimidation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has cautioned its personnel working at airports nationwide to eschew extortion and intimidation of passengers as travel for the festive season peaks.

FAAN also  issued a strong call for collaboration among all agencies and service providers to ensure a smooth and positive experience for passengers.

To achieve this, the authority has laid out clear directives for all officers and personnel working at the airport urging them to avoid undue harassment  of passengers as well as desist from soliciting or demanding money.

FAAN cautioned them to refrain from causing unnecessary delays, profiling, or obstruction and conduct their duties with courtesy, professionalism, and efficiency.

The Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, made the appeal in a statement highlighting the critical role airports play as the “nation’s first impression” during the influx of travellers characteristic of the “Detty December” period.

The appeal comes amid a significant increase in passenger traffic, with many Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for the holidays and international visitors arriving in the country.

In line with the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, FAAN urged all stakeholders—including the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, Port Health, Quarantine, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aviation Security, ground handlers, and other service providers—to work in unison.

Agbebire specifically pointed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as key gateways requiring exceptional service delivery.

“This is a season to demonstrate the culture of excellence Nigeria seeks to entrench,” Agbebire stated. “Our returning citizens and visitors deserve warmth, order, and reassurance from arrival to exit.”

Emphasising the collective responsibility, the Director called for transforming airports into “havens of joy, safety, and efficiency” this festive period.

He concluded by expressing FAAN’s reliance on the cooperation of all partners, stating, “Together, let us make Nigeria proud.”