Lagos Airport Customs Agents Protest Secretariat Closure, Allege N500 Billion Revenue Loss
Customs agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos are protesting the alleged closure of their secretariat by the airport’s commandant, Chioma Udo. The agents claim that the closure, which occurred on February 5, has obstructed their daily operations and caused significant losses.
Key Concerns Raised by the Agents
– Revenue Loss: The agents allege that the closure has resulted in a loss of revenue for the federal government, estimated at almost N500 billion.
– Internal Crisis: The agents acknowledge an internal crisis within the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, which led to a court order restraining all parties from taking action.
– Disregard for Court Order: Despite the court order, the commandant locked up the association’s secretariat, prompting the agents to appeal for its reopening.
The closure has affected the operations of revenue generation to the federal government through customs, with the agents unable to collate and moderate members’ registration for the ongoing FAAN registration and data capturing.
Commandant Udo stated that the reopening of the secretariat is dependent on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and that the facility used by the agents belongs to FAAN.