Aviation unions in Nigeria have strongly condemned the assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The attack has sparked widespread outrage, prompting unions to demand immediate action.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) issued a joint statement calling for the immediate redeployment of all customs officers involved within 14 days.
Unions Demand Immediate Action
The unions have urged the government to take concrete steps, including reducing the number of customs officers deployed in civil aviation in line with global best practices.
According to their statement:
“The attention of aviation unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another assault on a high-ranking official, this time the Director of Aviation Security Services at MMA. This unfortunate event is part of a disturbing pattern of aggression by customs personnel against airport staff.”
The unions emphasized that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clearly defined roles in managing passenger and cargo terminals, and customs officers must adhere to these boundaries.
Key Demands by the Unions
- Redeployment of Customs Officers: The government must immediately relocate all officers involved in the attack, including the Area Controller of the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT).
- Clarification of Customs Roles: Authorities should clearly outline customs’ jurisdiction in bonded warehouses within civil aviation operations.
- Reduction of Customs Officers in Aviation: The presence of customs personnel in aviation should be minimized to align with international standards.
- Implementation of an MoU: FAAN management must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with all paramilitary agencies in airports to define their respective roles and responsibilities.
The unions have warned that failure to implement these demands within 14 days could lead to industrial actions, potentially disrupting airport operations.
Implications for Aviation Security
This incident raises critical concerns about security at Nigeria’s airports. The repeated clashes between FAAN personnel and customs officers highlight an urgent need for regulatory clarity and better inter-agency collaboration to prevent future conflicts.
For more updates on global aviation security standards, visit ICAO.
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