The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, has warned security agencies that Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and other airports across the country are no longer places to make money.
Kuku issued this stern warning to newsmen on Tuesday, directing all Heads of Departments (HODs) of security agencies to inform their personnel to stop extorting money from passengers.
She also highlighted complaints from investors about being extorted whenever they travel by air, especially at Lagos Airport.
Kuku further noted that the volume of negative feedback from the President, the Honorable Minister, and passengers regarding activities at airports across the country is deeply concerning.
She stated, “The airport is no longer a place to come and make money. Investors are complaining. Lagos Airport—that’s the first thing they see. You get off a plane, and it’s ‘Welcome to Nigeria.’ The number of messages I’ve received from passengers, the Honorable Minister, and the President is overwhelming, particularly about Lagos Airport.
“But I want to focus on aviation security (AVSEC). You represent an agency and an organization.
“I received a report, which I forwarded to you, about Chinese passengers who were flying through the terminal. They claimed someone demanded their necklace as a gift.
“I’ve also gotten feedback from AVSEC officers and Customs staff saying they are not receiving pensions, so they resort to extorting passengers to generate or earn money for their pension.
“This has to stop. I have issued a very clear directive. This applies to team leads, HODs, and heads of organizations operating at the airport.”
Kuku added that all security agencies at airports must refrain from unprofessional behavior that tarnishes the country’s image or face severe penalties.