The Federal Government will embark on measures towards halting the incessant harassment of travellers by government agencies at the nation’s airports.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed this, saying he has approved measures by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure such harassments are arrested.
In a post on X on Thursday, Keyamo announced the launch of ‘Operation Air Clean,’ an initiative aimed at eliminating corrupt practices and enhancing service delivery, among others, following a surge in passenger complaints at airports.
Among the reforms for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) is the dissolution of joint inspection tables, which will be replaced by intelligence-driven searches and the use of advanced scanners to speed up security checks. Also, a streamlined passenger processing by consolidating checkpoints, with officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration Service sharing counters to reduce congestion.
Additionally, Keyamo approved the activation of mobile courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders, particularly touts, and a zero-tolerance policy to be enforced against Bureau de Change operators and car-hire personnel engaging in unauthorised activities.
FAAN will also introduce new airport facilities, including improved lighting, enhanced signage, free Wi-Fi for passengers, and designated meet-and-greet areas.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, called on stakeholders and the public to support “Operation Air Clean,” stressing that collaboration is essential in creating a safer and more efficient airport environment.
