From Suleiman Amagbor, in Lagos
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has ordered the establishment of magistrates courts at the country’s international airports to eradicate the menace of touting, extortions and countless illicit activities around the airports.
Mrs. Kuku described the situation as agonizing as she set up a dedicated task force to track down persons found culpable and deal with them decisively.
The FAAN MD expressed her deep concern over the ongoing harassment and extortion of passengers at the airports, and affirmed her commitment creating a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.
A viral video of a European woman who expressed distaste over the behaviour of airport workers in Enugu who she complained engaged in disgraceful conducts and communications with arriving and departing passengers at the international wing of the airport had drawn condemnations from stakeholders in the industry.
In the 5minutes, 35 seconds video, the woman compared the attitudes of workers at Enugu airport to that of Addis Ababa airport in Ethiopia as she explained that both are like night and day.
However, the white woman offered to help remedy the situation as she said the unwholesome behaviours of workers at the airports in Nigeria is enough to scare investors away from the country.
FAAN Director of Special Duties at FAAN Mr. Henry Agbebire will spearhead the new taskforce as Chairman Mrs. Kuku declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.
Warning all airport personnel, including FAAN staff, Kuku stated that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices.
She stressed that the era of business as usual is over and highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kuku announced plans to establish magistrate courts at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders. The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.
In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kuku emphasized that all airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability.
