Passengers Stranded as Nigerian Airports Face Shutdown
By Our Correspondent
Aviation unions in Nigeria have announced plans to shut down airports across the country starting March 31, in response to the failure to remove a customs officer who allegedly assaulted the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In a joint statement signed by Ocheme Aba (NUATE), Frances Akinjole (ATSSSAN), and Abdul Rasaq Saidu (ANAP), the unions condemned the recurring physical assaults on FAAN staff and pledged to no longer tolerate such incidents.
The unions also called on the government to urgently reduce the number of customs officers working within the aviation sector, in alignment with global best practices.
They warned that if their demands are not met, they will proceed with a nationwide shutdown, which would disrupt air travel and airport operations.
The statement reads: “Considering the severity and frequency of the physical and psychological assaults on the staff and management personnel of FAAN, with no end in sight, we feel compelled to inform management of our unwavering determination to establish a clear framework of mutual respect between FAAN staff and the security agencies operating at the airports.
“Consequential measures will be implemented to ensure the safety and human rights of FAAN staff. We will direct all workers to withdraw from the airports starting March 31, 2025, until such protocols are established.
“The recent assault on the Director of Aviation Security at FAAN is one incident too many, leaving a bitter taste.
We sincerely hope that our demands are met to avoid an industrial conflict that will arise if acceptable remedial actions are not taken.”
In response, Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), stated that the disagreement between FAAN officials and customs officers arose from a miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements.
