The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has launched the ‘Operation AirClean’ to address ongoing issues of touting, passenger harassment and unprofessional conduct at airport screening points.
Kuku, who convened an important meeting with the heads of all security agencies at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, said the initiative was designed to restore order and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Kuku emphasised that “Operation AirClean” has the full support of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges faced by travellers. She stressed the importance of cleaning up airport terminals and eliminating unpatriotic practices among security officers, declaring that the time for complacency is over.
The initiative aims to foster greater collaboration among various security agencies at the airport, streamline passenger search processes, and eliminate touting and extortion activities. Kuku ordered the dismantling of search tables at screening points and encouraged the adoption of technology to reduce manual searches, thereby improving the overall passenger experience. She also highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing between agencies to ensure smooth operations.
To hold personnel accountable, Kuku announced the deployment of mystery shoppers equipped with body cameras. These shoppers will assess the performance of security officials at both arrival and departure screening points, providing real-time feedback on officer conduct and ensuring that any forms of harassment or extortion are promptly identified and addressed.
The meeting, which involved representatives from key security agencies, was highly interactive. Participants proposed concrete solutions to the issues discussed and ways to improve services. The heads of security agencies committed to increasing oversight of their officers and ensuring strict adherence to the new measures. Additionally, it was agreed that a secure waiting area for visitors would be established, and mobile courts would be set up for the swift prosecution of offenders.
Kuku reaffirmed that FAAN directors will actively monitor the progress of the initiative, with existing task forces intensifying their activities. She also made it clear that any officer found guilty of misconduct would be promptly reported to their agency heads and held accountable.
According to FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah the meeting included representatives from the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Quarantine Services, Nigerian Police Force, Directorate of Security Services, Nigerian Customs Services and Aviation Security Services.
In closing, Kuku reiterated her commitment to improving the passenger experience at Nigerian airports, calling for unity among all agencies involved and stressing that there would be zero tolerance for misconduct under the new initiative.
