By The AmehNews
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified its campaign against touting and extortion at Nigerian airports after uncovering what it describes as an insider-driven network involving employees of airport agencies, concessionaires and other service providers.
The authority said recent investigations have revealed that many of the individuals engaging in illegal activities within airport terminals are not outsiders who gain unauthorized access to restricted areas but workers already operating legally within the airport environment.
According to FAAN, the discovery has prompted renewed collaboration with security agencies and airport operators to identify offenders, enforce stricter sanctions and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The development comes amid growing complaints from domestic and international travellers over harassment by unofficial baggage handlers, self-appointed protocol agents and individuals offering unauthorized services in exchange for money.
The coordinated initiatives underscore a broader commitment to sanitising Nigeria’s airport environment, enhancing aviation security and aligning airport operations with international best practices.
FAAN Blames Insider Staff for Airport Touting
FAAN disclosed that investigations into the persistent problem of touting and extortion at airports revealed that many of those involved are not strangers but employees of agencies, concessionaires and service providers operating within airport premises.
According to the authority, some workers exploit their legitimate access to airport facilities to solicit money from passengers by offering unofficial baggage handling, protocol services or promises of faster processing through security and other checkpoints.
The authority identified employees attached to restaurants, retail outlets, trolley service providers, Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and other airport businesses among those allegedly involved in the illegal activities.
FAAN warned that the practice not only inconveniences travellers but also undermines airport security and damages Nigeria’s reputation as a destination for tourism, investment and international business.
Passengers Asked to Stop Encouraging Illegal Activities
The authority appealed to passengers to stop encouraging touts by refusing to pay unofficial charges or seek shortcuts during airport processing.
FAAN advised travellers not to hand over their luggage to unknown persons or patronise individuals offering unauthorized services.
According to the authority, the activities of touts continue largely because some passengers willingly pay to bypass established procedures, creating incentives for illegal operators.
It urged airport users to report suspicious individuals to security personnel rather than negotiating with them.
Eyewitnesses Describe Harassment at Lagos Airport
Despite ongoing enforcement efforts, eyewitnesses who spoke with The Ameh News at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, said touting remains a common occurrence around both the domestic and international terminals.
Several passengers recounted being approached by multiple individuals immediately after collecting their luggage.
A business traveller, Mr. Adewale, said he was repeatedly offered unofficial assistance.
“Before I reached the terminal exit, several people approached me asking to carry my luggage or help me leave the airport faster. Some became persistent after I declined.”
Another passenger, Mrs. Chioma Okafor, described the experience as intimidating.
“Some of them follow passengers almost to the car park. First-time visitors may not know who is an official airport worker and who is not.”
Passengers also expressed concern that some unauthorized individuals appear to wear uniforms or possess airport identification, making it difficult to distinguish legitimate personnel from touts.
Businesses Face Tougher Sanctions
FAAN said it has intensified collaboration with aviation security agencies and warned that businesses operating within airports will also be held accountable for the conduct of their employees.
The authority stated that concessionaires whose staff repeatedly engage in touting or extortion could face regulatory sanctions.
It stressed that airport operators and service providers must uphold professionalism and ensure their employees comply with established operational standards.
NCAA, Nigerian Army Expand Airport Security
In a related development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Army to strengthen aviation security through the expanded deployment of canine (K-9) units across Nigerian airports.
The partnership is expected to improve the detection of explosives, narcotics, prohibited items and other security threats, while enhancing emergency response capabilities and supporting compliance with international aviation security standards.
Industry observers say the initiative complements FAAN’s renewed campaign against insider misconduct by strengthening the overall security architecture at airports.
Expert Seeks Comprehensive Reform
Reacting to FAAN’s position that passengers contribute to the persistence of airport touting by paying for shortcuts, economist Celestine Ukpong said meaningful reform requires stronger enforcement and institutional accountability.
Speaking with The Ameh News further on the issue, Ukpong acknowledged that travellers should avoid encouraging unofficial services but argued that the primary responsibility rests with airport authorities, security agencies and concessionaires.
“Passengers certainly have a responsibility not to patronise touts or pay unofficial charges. However, airport management must ensure that employees involved in extortion or illegal activities are identified and sanctioned promptly. Sustainable reform depends on institutional discipline, not merely public appeals,” he said.
Ukpong added that improved coordination among aviation agencies would enhance passenger confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional aviation hub.
He described the NCAA’s partnership with the Nigerian Army as a positive step towards modernising airport security, noting that advanced K-9 operations, intelligence sharing and stricter oversight of airport personnel would collectively improve safety and operational efficiency.
Towards Safer Nigerian Airports
Stakeholders believe the combined efforts of FAAN, NCAA, security agencies and airport businesses could significantly reduce touting and other illicit activities if enforcement remains consistent.
For passengers, however, the true measure of success will be an airport environment where travel is no longer accompanied by harassment, unofficial demands for money or uncertainty over who is authorised to provide assistance.
As Nigeria seeks to position itself as West Africa’s leading aviation hub, industry experts say eliminating insider misconduct and strengthening security will remain essential to improving the country’s global aviation reputation.
FAAN says airport touting in Nigeria is largely driven by insider staff working for agencies and concessionaires, while the NCAA and Nigerian Army have signed an MoU to expand K-9 security operations. Economist Celestine Ukpong calls for tougher enforcement and public reorientation.
FAAN has revealed that many airport touts are employees of agencies and concessionaires operating within airport premises, while the NCAA has signed an MoU with the Nigerian Army to expand K-9 security operations. Economist Celestine Ukpong says stronger enforcement and institutional accountability are key to eliminating airport extortion and restoring passenger confidence.
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