Aviation workers in Nigeria are outraged after a clash between Customs officers and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident occurred when Customs officers allegedly assaulted the Director of Security at FAAN, Igbafe Afegbai.
The workers have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the removal of the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the airport. They are also calling for the redeployment of all Customs officers involved in the assault.
According to the workers, the Customs officers have been abusing their power and harassing FAAN staff. They claim that the roles of FAAN in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly stated in the act establishing FAAN, and that the Customs officers’ actions are an overreach of their authority.
The unions involved, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, are demanding a reduction in the number of Customs personnel at airports. They argue that this is necessary to comply with global standards and practices.
The Customs service has responded by stating that the warehouses where the incident occurred are Customs-licensed bonded warehouses, and that they remain under the control of the Customs service.
The situation has sparked concerns about the safety and security of airport operations. The workers are threatening to take action if their demands are not met within the stipulated 14-day ultimatum.