Airports: FAAN vows crackdown on touts, sets up task force

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Saturday said it had set up a task force to eliminate touting, extortion and illicit activities at airports.

The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday, in Lagos.

Kuku expressed her worries over reports of harassment and extortion of passengers at airports.

She vowed to crackdown on perpetrators of such illegal activities, emphasising her commitment to ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.

Kuku said that Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at FAAN, was to spearhead the initiative as the chairman of the task force.

The FAAN MD also declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.

Kuku said that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices, stressing that it was no longer business as usual.

She highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

Kuku announced that as measures to ensure the zero tolerance policy, magistrate courts would be established at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders.

“The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

“In addition, 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,” she said.

The FAAN MD reiterated the authority’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for passengers and other airport users.