FAAN MD Unveils ‘Operation AirClean’ to Tackle Passenger Harassment and Touting at MMIA

In a decisive move to address the persistent issues of passenger harassment and touting at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, convened a high-level meeting on December 2, 2024. The meeting brought together the heads of all security agencies operating at the airport to launch a new initiative, aptly named “Operation AirClean.”

With the full backing of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Mrs. Kuku emphasized that the initiative is aimed at eliminating unprofessional practices and fostering a seamless and harassment-free experience for passengers. She stated firmly, “It is no longer business as usual,” as she called for a concerted effort from all agencies to clean up the airport terminals.

Key Objectives of ‘Operation AirClean’:

Eradication of Touting: The program seeks to eliminate touting activities and extortion at the airport.

Streamlining Screening Processes: Technology will be leveraged to minimize manual searches, improve interactions with passengers, and enhance efficiency.

Mystery Shoppers for Monitoring: FAAN will deploy undercover operatives equipped with body cameras to monitor and assess the conduct of officials at screening points.

Improved Oversight: Heads of security agencies committed to stricter supervision of their officers, ensuring accountability and professional conduct.

During the meeting, Mrs. Kuku ordered the immediate removal of search tables at screening points and urged intelligence sharing and collaboration among agencies to ensure effective service delivery.

Why Now?

The move comes in response to mounting complaints from travelers about extortion, harassment, and inefficiencies at airport screening points. With Nigeria seeking to enhance its global reputation as a travel hub, addressing these long-standing issues is deemed essential for boosting passenger confidence and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, noted that the meeting was participatory, with agencies proposing concrete measures to enhance passenger experiences. Among the resolutions were the establishment of designated waiting areas for visitors and the creation of mobile courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders.

Mrs. Kuku also reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to maintaining close oversight. She directed FAAN directors and task forces to intensify their monitoring activities and ensure any officer found guilty of misconduct is promptly reported to their respective agency heads.

Representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Customs Services, and Aviation Security Services, attended the meeting.

Mrs. Kuku concluded by reiterating her commitment to a unified approach in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all airport users, emphasizing zero tolerance for misconduct in achieving this critical goal.