Extortion in airports are perpetrated by mostly agencies not under the aviation ministry, says Keyamo

Kune Sann

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on Sunday stated that the agencies responsible for extortion and begging at Nigeria’s airports are not under the control of his ministry. 

Keyamo in a post via his X account also mentioned that he is working with other relevant ministers to address this issue. 

This statement comes in response to numerous complaints from travelers about these activities.

“I have received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at our International airports by a few unscrupulous persons who give all of us a bad image,” the minister said.

“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians.

“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.

“However, I have been working closely with other ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight soon.”

The Ministry stated that it is also working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to address the issue and will soon reveal practical steps to address the problem.

The issue of begging and extortion at airports has been a concern for the federal government. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) warned airport users on June 14 not to offer bribes or support extortion.

FAAN stated that any staff or government agency operating at the airports found guilty of accepting bribes will be punished.  On June 22, the agency announced the launch of a task force to eliminate touting, extortion, and other illicit activities in airports across the country.

The task force has been given the mandate to enforce discipline among airport staff and to foster a culture of professionalism at all levels.