Aviation unions demand action over customs officers’ assault on FAAN security director

By Uzair Adam On Mar 7, 2025

Aviation unions , customs officers, assault , FAAN ,security director, Lagos, — Aviation unions demand action over customs officers' assault on FAAN security director

Aviation unions have raised concerns over the alleged assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

In a joint statement signed by Comrade Ogbe John, Branch Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); Comrade Agbor John D., Secretary of the Lagos Branch of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); and Comrade Emmanuel Okon, Branch Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the unions condemned the incident, describing it as one of many attacks on Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff by customs officials.

SolaceBase recalled that a dispute erupted between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday, at the NAHCO Shed of the Hajj/Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,

The conflict quickly escalated into a prolonged and tense confrontation.

The confrontation began around 2:30 p.m. when FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was supervising the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines—critical tools for enhancing airport security.

It was gathered that Igbafe, accompanied by FAAN officials, introduced himself as the Director of FAAN’s Aviation Security Services and clearly communicated the purpose of their visit, explaining that the installation of the ETD machines was a routine security upgrade.

However, armed Customs officers on-site, without verifying his claim and identity, locked the director inside the NAHCO Shed, insisting that they had not been notified about the equipment and had no prior clearance for its installation.

According to the unions, FAAN’s role in managing passenger and cargo terminals is clearly outlined in the act establishing the authority.

They insisted that customs officers have repeatedly overstepped their boundaries, leading to unwarranted confrontations with FAAN personnel.

As a result, the unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to redeploy the Area Controller of the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) and all customs officers involved in the assault.

They also demanded that the government clearly define the duties and roles of customs operations in bonded warehouses within civil aviation.

Additionally, the unions called for an immediate reduction in the number of customs officers operating in civil aviation to align with global standards.

They further urged FAAN management to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with all paramilitary agencies at airports, outlining their respective roles and responsibilities.

The unions warned that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated period could lead to industrial action, disrupting operations at airports across the country.