KOREDE FOGO
After embarrassing viral videos of extortion by staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other workers at the airport, the federal government begin a face saving approach to stop the unwholesome practice.
In a sting operation, a staff of struggling airline, Arik air was apprehended on Tuesday by officials of FAAN, while soliciting bribe from a travelling passenger at the General Aviation Terminal of the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
In a statement to BUSINESSinsiderng by the general manager, corporate affairs, FAAN Henrietta Yakubu, the arrest followed an emergency management meeting with the special adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, on incessant extortion of passengers by airport officials at the nation’s airports.
The FAAN’s spokesperson, however, said the On Duty Card (ODC) of the erring staff has been withdrawn immediately, and has been handed over to the relevant security agency for appropriate action in order to serve as deterrent to other bad eggs in the airport.
Recall that there were recent embarrassing online videos where passengers complained of acts of extortion at the nation’s airport had necessitated the need to devise multi level strategies to curb the menace.
The meeting also resolved that henceforth, any erring airport official caught soliciting for bribes at the nation’s airports will be permanently denied access to working at the airports. Officials were also directed to always wear conspicuous name tags anytime they are on duty.
Moreover, the Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu further directed the Airport Managers to ensure that all stakeholders at the airports are properly sensitized on the new development as there will be no sacred cows.