Politics

Minister of Aviation Reveals Other Agencies Involved in Airport Extortion

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 24th, 2024.

Minister of Aviation Reveals Other Agencies Involved in Airport Extortion

By Chinelo Obogo

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has disclosed that agencies not directly overseen by his ministry are implicated in extortion activities at various airports in Nigeria.

In a recent post on X, Keyamo announced that efforts are underway in collaboration with the relevant ministries to address and mitigate this issue.

This statement follows numerous reports of traveler harassment at the airports.

“I have received numerous complaints regarding the ongoing issue of begging and extortion at our international airports by a few rogue individuals tarnishing our reputation,” Keyamo stated.

“My phone is constantly buzzing with messages from concerned Nigerians about this matter.

To clarify, most of the agencies involved in these activities are not under the aviation ministry’s jurisdiction, although they operate within our airports.

Nevertheless, I am actively collaborating with other ministers, governmental bodies, and relevant agencies to find a solution, which should be implemented soon.”

The issue of extortion and touting has been a major concern, prompting the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to caution airport users against offering bribes and supporting such practices.

FAAN emphasized that any staff or government agency found engaging in bribery at the airports will face disciplinary action.

The agency has also established a task force aimed at eradicating touting and extortion, with the mandate to enforce discipline and uphold a culture of professionalism among airport personnel.