….call for reduction of customs presence at airport
A growing crisis at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) has escalated as three aviation unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate redeployment of customs officers involved in the alleged assault of the Director of Aviation Security Services.
The unions are also calling for a reduction in the number of customs personnel operating within civil aviation facilities, and a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
The joint statement, released by the branch secretaries of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), comrade John Ogbe, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), comrade Agbor John and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), comrade Emmanuel Okon detailed the alleged assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT).
“The Attention of Aviation Unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another Assault on the personnel of the organization by the Nigeria custom services (NCS), this time a high-level officer The Director, Aviation Security Services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA)”.
The unions specifically demanded the redeployment of the Area Controller Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) and all involved customs officers within two weeks.
They also called for a clear definition of customs’ operational scope within bonded warehouses at civil aviation facilities, aligning with global best practices.
“We urge government to clearly define the duties and roles of the custom operation in a bonded warehouse in civil aviation”.
They also urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately formalize MOUs with all paramilitary agencies operating within the airport, clarifying their respective roles and responsibilities.
“The unions warned that if their demands were not met within fourteen days the unions cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony”.
