FAAN to introduce onsite Magistrate Courts for airport rule violators

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to introduce magistrate courts within airport premises across the country to swiftly prosecute individuals who violate airport rules and anti-touting regulations.

This was announced by FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during a meeting held on Wednesday, between FAAN management and heads of security agencies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

The meeting, aimed at updating airport stakeholders on recent developments, focused on the strategic goals of the current management and explored ways to enhance passenger experience and facilitation. Mrs. Kuku identified the presence of touts and unauthorized individuals loitering at airports as a significant challenge to ensuring comfort and security for legitimate airport users.

“There are people who have absolutely no business being at the airport, and they continue to create issues for us,” Mrs. Kuku stated. “We have an anti-touting taskforce, and we will begin prosecuting those engaged in illicit activities or loitering around the airport environment on-site. This doesn’t happen elsewhere around the world, and the airport should be a safe space.”

She also highlighted issues with car hire operators violating airport protocols, warning that such behavior would no longer be tolerated.

Mrs. Kuku further stressed the need to reduce manual baggage searches at the international wing of the airport. She announced plans to implement a more efficient process, where baggage will go through screening machines, allowing security officials to view the contents in real-time and only set aside luggage that requires 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,” she emphasized.

Furthermore, the FAAN MD/CE announced that Terminal C of the NAIA is on track to be operational by December 2024. She also mentioned plans to develop more international routes to better utilize the International Terminal, which she described as “extremely underutilized.”

The Military Airport Commander at NAIA, Air Force Group Captain Abbas Hashim, speaking on behalf of the other security agencies, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Kuku for convening the meeting. He called for more regular meetings and improved cooperation between the agencies and FAAN.

In attendance from FAAN management were 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.