The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has approved the dissolution of the security joint inspections table at the country’s international airports.
The move is aimed at ending corrupt practices and unnecessary delays of passengers at Nigerian terminals, especially during the Yuletide season.
Keyamo, in a post on his X account on Thursday, said the decision was aimed at curbing the menace of harassment of travellers by various government agencies.
“Yesterday, I approved some far-reaching measures by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) aimed at curbing the menace of harassment of travellers by various agencies of government stationed at our international airports. We have received too many complaints, and it is time to act decisively!” he wrote.
The minister’s position was earlier contained in a position paper by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, dated December 2nd, and endorsed by the minister.
According to the paper, the FAAN MD who tagged the just approved position as Operation AirClean called on all stakeholders, airport users, and the general public to cooperate and support the initiative “as we collectively work towards building a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport environment.”
This came amidst calls by industry stakeholders for a reduction in the number of physical checks at the airport, insisting that it causes delays and in turn, affects passengers’ experience in Nigeria aerodromes.
Kuku noted that physical checks and multiple searches by some security personnel with duties believed to be overlapping will now be handled by technology and cameras.
The FAAN boss added that the decision came to the fore following a high-powered meeting held with senior management members of the agency and heads of security operatives.
Keyamo also approved the request for the Department of State Security Services and Immigration Service personnel to now share counters to reduce checkpoints for outbound passengers.
“Customs will relocate to the Aviation security point for money declaration,” the document added.
