A brewing conflict at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has reached a boiling point, with aviation workers issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over an alleged assault on the Director of Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by Nigeria Customs Service officers. Hobnob News reports on the escalating tensions and the demands for immediate action.
The incident, which involved an altercation between Customs officers and FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Igbafe Afegbai, has triggered a wave of outrage among aviation workers. The unions, comprising the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), are demanding the immediate removal of the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal and the redeployment of all officers involved in the assault.
A letter obtained by Hobnob News reveals that the 14-day ultimatum commenced on March 7, 2025, and is set to expire on March 21. The unions have threatened to take drastic measures if their demands are not met, vowing to disrupt operations at the airport.
“The attention of aviation unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another assault on the personnel of the organisation by the Nigeria Customs Services, this time a high-level officer. The Director of Aviation Security Services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport,” the unions stated in a joint letter. “We wish to make it clear the roles of FAAN in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly stated in the act establishing FAAN. The ugly incident that led to the attack on FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services is one too many among the so many assaults being carried out by customs personnel on the staff of the airport.”
Afegbai, the victim of the alleged assault, recounted the incident, explaining that he and other senior FAAN staff members were attempting to replace a faulty security machine when they were confronted by Customs officers. The officers insisted that the machine was an illegal export item, dismissing Afegbai’s attempts to clarify the situation. A Deputy Controller of Customs, identified as Yusuf, reportedly ordered reinforcements, leading to the harassment and prevention of the machine’s installation.
In addition to the redeployment of the Customs officers, the unions are demanding a reduction in the number of Customs personnel at the nation’s airports, particularly in Lagos, to align with international standards. They are also calling on FAAN to immediately sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all paramilitary agencies at airports, clearly defining their roles and responsibilities.
The National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, addressed the situation, stating that the incident occurred at Customs-licensed bonded warehouses, SAHCO and NAHCO, which remain under Customs control. While Maiwada remained silent on the specific allegation of assault, he emphasized the Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation and compliance with international standards.
“In line with the World Customs Organisation’s Safe Framework of Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies, and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment,” Maiwada stated.
The escalating tensions between aviation workers and the Customs Service have raised concerns about potential disruptions at the Lagos airport. The unions have made it clear that they will not tolerate further assaults on FAAN personnel, and their 14-day ultimatum has placed the government under pressure to resolve the issue swiftly. Hobnob News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
