Task force to end passenger extortion, touting at airports, says FAAN chief 

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

A dedicated task force is now in place to bring to an end ugly incidents of passenger extortion, touting and other illegal activities at airports in Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, managing director and chief executive officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has assured.

Kuku said she has taken the decisive step to put these to an end because of her deep concern over the harassment and extortion of passengers at the airports, emphasising her commitment to creating a seamless and pleasant experience for travellers with the launch of an extensive campaign to crack down on these illegal activities.

Henry Agbebire, director of special duties at FAAN, has been put in charge of the task force as chairman, and Kuku has also declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.

She warned all airport personnel, including FAAN staff, that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices. She stressed that the era of business as usual is over and highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

She also disclosed plans to establish magistrate courts at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders. The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience, she said, and emphasised that all airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability.

Kuku reiterated FAAN’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users.