FAAN MD launches’ Operation AirClean’ to tackle airport touting harassment at MMIA

In a decisive move to restore order and improve passenger experience at Nigeria’s busiest airport, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has launched an aggressive cleanup initiative, Operation AirClean.

At a high-level meeting convened at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Mrs. Kuku rallied the heads of all security agencies stationed at the airport to tackle issues of touting, passenger harassment, and extortion. The meeting began a comprehensive plan to overhaul airport operations and enforce zero tolerance for misconduct.

“It’s no longer business as usual.”

During the meeting, Mrs. Kuku emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring that with the support of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, FAAN is determined to transform the airport environment.

“The days of unpatriotic practices and harassment of passengers are over. Operation AirClean is a call to action for all security agencies to take ownership of the airport’s reputation and deliver a world-class travel experience,” Mrs. Kuku said.

Key measures under Operation AirClean

• Elimination of Manual Search Tables:
• Mrs. Kuku ordered the dismantling of manual search tables at screening points, urging the deployment of modern technology to streamline passenger searches and interactions.
• Mystery Shoppers with Body Cameras:
• To ensure accountability, mystery shoppers with body cameras will monitor officials’ conduct at arrival and departure points.
• Enhanced Collaboration Among Agencies:
• Heads of security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Immigration Services, Police, Customs, NDLEA, and DSS, committed to strengthening intelligence-sharing and oversight mechanisms.
• Mobile Courts for Offenders:
• FAAN will ensure that mobile courts are set up within the airport to prosecute touts and other offenders swiftly.
• Designated Visitor Waiting Areas:
• Secure waiting areas will be provided for visitors, reducing congestion and unauthorized activities in the terminal.
• Strengthened Task Forces and Oversight:
• FAAN directors and existing task forces will intensify monitoring efforts to identify and eliminate misconduct among airport personnel.

A collaborative effort

The meeting featured active participation from representatives of all airport security agencies, who proposed concrete measures to align their operations with Operation AirClean’s objectives. The heads of the agencies pledged to hold their officers accountable, ensuring that anyone found guilty of misconduct is reported and dealt with promptly, thereby reassuring the public of the initiative’s success.

“We recognize the need for collective action to address these long-standing challenges,” said one representative. “Our commitment is to restore passengers’ trust and enhance their experience.”

Driving accountability and passenger-centric reforms

Mrs. Kuku reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to building a safer, more efficient airport environment for travelers, reiterating the focus on their needs:

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“Every passenger passing through MMIA deserves respect, security, and professionalism. This initiative will eliminate extortion and misconduct, setting the standard for airport operations in Nigeria and beyond.”

Unified effort for transformation

The participation of agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service, NDLEA, and Aviation Security Services, among others, highlights FAAN’s unified approach to addressing the airport’s operational challenges.

As Operation AirClean gets underway, passengers and stakeholders are hopeful that this initiative will begin a new era for Nigerian airports, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and the dignity of travelers.

For more updates, stay tuned as FAAN begins rolling out these reforms in the coming days.