“I also hear that agencies are giving returns to their bosses”…Kuku
In a bold move to tackle corruption and extortion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has launched a crackdown on officials demanding bribes from passengers and airlines.
Speaking at a meeting with heads of security agencies at the airport, Mrs. Kuku condemned the widespread practice of AVSEC officers and customs officials demanding bribes, saying it was unacceptable and would no longer be tolerated.
She revealed that she had received numerous complaints from passengers, including Chinese nationals who were given gifts by officials, and from AVSEC officers and customs officials who were not collecting their pension but instead generating income through corrupt means.
“Investors are complaining Lagos Airport, that’s the first thing they see You get up a plane, this is welcome to Nigeria. The number of messages that I received from passengers, from the Minister, and from the presidency is insane, especially from Lagos Airport, but I want to focus on AVSEC You represent an agency and an organization, the way you engage Auntie, wetin you bring come for us, Auntie, bye-bye, Auntie, open your bag”.
The FAAN MD warned that the practice of demanding bribes and giving returns to bosses would no longer be tolerated at the airport, emphasizing that the airport was not a place to make money.
“I’ve also gotten feedback from AVSEC officers and customs, saying that they’re not collecting pension, so this is the way for them to generate or earn their pension”.
She directed her team leads, HODs, and heads of organizations at the airport to take immediate action to address the issue, stating that if their organization was found to be corrupt, it would be a failure on their part and hers.
“I also hear that agencies are giving returns to their bosses, So let’s have frank conversations in here. The airport is no longer a place to come and make money, if anybody in your organization is asking you to give returns, I’m saying the same to you and to all of the other agencies here better tell them you don’t want to come here because the penalties are going to be severe”.
To tackle the issue of touting and harassment of passengers at screening points, Mrs. Kuku launched “Operation AirClean,” a initiative aimed at improving collaboration among agencies and streamlining passenger search processes.
The operation aims to eliminate extortion and harassment of passengers, as well as to completely eradicate touting activities at the airport.
The FAAN MD’s bold move is seen by stakeholders as a strong signal that the authority is committed to eradicating corruption and ensuring a safe and secure environment for passengers and airlines at the airport.
As part of the initiative, Mrs. Kuku ordered the immediate dismantling of search tables at screening points and mandated that technology be leveraged to reduce manual searches and improve interactions with passengers.
She also announced that her administration would deploy mystery shoppers equipped with body cameras to assess the performance of officials at both arrival and departure security and screening areas.
The meeting was highly participatory, with representatives from various agencies proposing concrete solutions for improving services to enhance the passenger experience while eliminating touting and soliciting.
The heads of the security agencies committed to heightened oversight of their officers, ensuring accountability on duty.
Mrs. Kuku reaffirmed that FAAN directors would actively engage in monitoring efforts, and existing task forces were directed to intensify their activities.
Any officer found guilty of misconduct must be reported to their agency head without delay.
