Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed deep sadness and concern over the high prevalence rate of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports. This issue has been a significant problem, affecting the image of the nation and causing distress to many travelers.
Minister’s Displeasure on Social Media
Keyamo registered his displeasure over the development in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. In his post, he lamented the situation, highlighting that he had received numerous complaints from Nigerians about the activities of these unscrupulous individuals. He emphasized that these activities were tarnishing the nation’s image and causing a lot of frustration among travelers.
The Minister stated, “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. My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians.”
Complaints from Nigerians
Keyamo’s post revealed that he had been inundated with complaints from Nigerians who were concerned about the negative impact of these activities on the country’s reputation. He noted that the constant messages he received were a testament to the severity of the problem and the need for urgent action.
He said, “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.”
Collaboration with Other Ministries and Agencies
The Minister assured Nigerians that he was not working in isolation but was collaborating with other relevant ministries and agencies to address the issue. He mentioned that the National Security Adviser had called a meeting a few days ago to discuss the problem and that practical steps to transform the situation would soon be unveiled.
“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue, and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide. We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” Keyamo added.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Response
Keyamo’s concerns came less than 24 hours after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) launched a task force to tackle what has become a scourge at the country’s international airports. The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed deep concern over the persistent harassment and extortion experienced by passengers at airports.
Task Force to Address the Issue
Mrs. Kuku announced that the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, Mr. Henry Agbebire, had been appointed as the chairman of the task force. This task force is expected to address the issues of touting and extortion at the airports and ensure that passengers have a safe and pleasant experience.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Kuku said, “Dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience. All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability.”
Measures to Improve Passenger Experience
FAAN is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users. The introduction of dedicated phone lines and QR codes is aimed at making it easier for passengers to report any issues they encounter at the airports. This feedback mechanism will help FAAN to identify problem areas and take corrective actions promptly.
Kuku emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency among airport personnel. By requiring all personnel to display their on-duty cards and name tags, FAAN aims to make it easier for passengers to identify and report any misconduct. This measure is expected to deter unscrupulous individuals from engaging in extortion and harassment.
Commitment to Exceptional Service
FAAN’s commitment to exceptional service goes beyond addressing the issue of touts and extortionists. The authority is also focused on improving the overall airport experience for passengers. This includes ensuring that facilities are well-maintained, providing efficient services, and enhancing security measures.
Kuku stated, “FAAN is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users. We are taking these steps to address the issues of touting and extortion, but we are also focused on improving the overall airport experience for everyone.”
Conclusion
The issue of touts and extortionists at Nigeria’s international airports is a significant concern that has drawn the attention of both the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Minister has expressed his sadness and concern over the situation and assured Nigerians that practical steps are being taken to address the problem.
FAAN has also taken proactive measures by launching a task force to tackle the issue and introducing feedback mechanisms to improve passenger experience. The commitment to exceptional service and a safe environment for all passengers and airport users is a priority for both the Ministry and FAAN.
As these efforts continue, it is hoped that the prevalence of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports will be significantly reduced, and the image of the nation will be restored. The collaboration between the Ministry, FAAN, and other relevant agencies is a positive step towards achieving this goal.
