FAAN to Enforce Instant Justice for Airport Violators with Onsite Magistrate Courts
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the introduction of magistrate courts within airport premises nationwide, a move aimed at bolstering security and streamlining operations at airports across the country.
This initiative, set to take effect soon, is part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with airport rules and regulations, particularly against touting and loitering.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this development during a crucial meeting held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The meeting, which took place on August 14, 2024, brought together FAAN management and heads of various security agencies, with the primary focus on addressing current challenges, outlining strategic goals, and discussing ways to enhance passenger experience and facilitation.
Mrs. Kuku identified the persistent issue of touts and unauthorised individuals within airport premises as a major hindrance to providing a comfortable and secure environment for genuine airport users.
She expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are people who have absolutely no business being at the airport, and they continue to create issues for us. We have an anti-touting taskforce, and as it is, we are going to start the prosecution on-site of those engaging in these illicit activities or loitering around the airport environment and harassing passengers.
“This doesn’t happen elsewhere around the world, and the airport should be a safe space.”
In addition to addressing touting and loitering, Mrs. Kuku highlighted other operational inefficiencies, such as violations by car hire operators, which she warned would no longer be tolerated.
Furthermore, she stressed the need to modernise airport procedures, particularly the reduction of manual baggage searches at the international wing of NAIA.
According to her, a new process will soon be implemented where baggage will be screened using advanced machines, allowing security officials to view contents in real-time and only subject suspicious luggage to secondary screening.
“We have to streamline our efforts. We need to improve processes at the airport. This is the 21st century, and we must keep up with the times,” Mrs. Kuku emphasised.
Another major announcement from the FAAN MD/CE was the anticipated completion of Terminal C at NAIA by December 2024. Mrs. Kuku also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop more international routes to maximise the use of the International Terminal, which she described as “extremely underutilised.”
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Military Airport Commander, NAIA, Air Force Group Captain Abbas Hashim, who, on behalf of other security agencies, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Kuku for initiating the dialogue.
He called for more regular meetings and enhanced cooperation between FAAN and the security agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the discussed measures.
Key FAAN officials present at the meeting included the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Abiola Muniru Adejare; Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdulahi Mohmood; Director of Special Duties, Henry Agbebire; Regional Manager NAIA, Alhaji Gambo Aboki; and Mrs. Ibijoke Olatunji, General Manager Operations.
This initiative marks a significant step towards improving airport security and passenger experience across Nigeria, reinforcing FAAN’s commitment to maintaining world-class standards in aviation operations.
