Comrade Jonathan Irafor, CEO of Lakewood Development Company, has commended the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its rapid implementation of an armed security unit at Lagos Airport.
Speaking with Techeconomy’s correspondent, Irafor highlighted that this initiative is a significant step towards curbing “begging and extortion” at airports across the country.
FAAN recently inaugurated an armed Aviation Security (AVSEC) Unit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate touting and other illegal activities around airports.
This development was announced by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, through a statement on his official social media account.
Keyamo stated, “As part of the steps we earlier promised Nigerians to take to curb the menace of touting and other illegal activities around our airports, earlier today, the Managing Director of FAAN, on my behalf, unveiled the armed Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.”
The minister further explained that this initiative will be extended to other international airports across the country. The security officials of the AVSEC unit are authorized to arrest and prosecute touts and other suspected criminals within airport premises.
This initiative is distinct from ongoing inter-ministerial efforts aimed at tackling extortion, bribery, and begging by government agency officials stationed at the airports.
The inauguration of AVSEC follows Minister Keyamo’s announcement on Sunday about forthcoming measures to address “begging and extortion” at Nigerian airports.
A common issue at major airports involves government officials, such as Customs and Immigration officers, seeking bribes from passengers. Additionally, unauthorized traders often occupy airport premises, selling items from dried beef to padlocks.
These activities, along with allegations of unprofessional conduct by some government officials, have raised safety concerns. Many Nigerians believe that addressing these issues will create a safer airport environment for travelers.
