Workers in the Aviation sector have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the removal of the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This follows an alleged assault on the Director of Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Igbafe Afegbai.
The workers are also calling on President Bola Tinubu to redeploy all Customs officers involved in the incident. The ultimatum, which began on March 7, 2025, will expire on March 21. The unions have threatened to take action against what they describe as the excessive and inappropriate behavior of Nigeria Customs Service officers.
The unions involved include the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals. They are also advocating for a reduction in the number of Customs personnel at airports nationwide, particularly at Lagos airport, to align with international standards.
In a joint letter signed by their secretaries, the unions accused Customs officers of mistreating the retired Assistant Commissioner of Police. They warned that if the officers are not redeployed within the 14-day period, aviation workers cannot guarantee peace and harmony in the industry, especially at Lagos airport.
Additionally, the unions urged FAAN to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all paramilitary agencies operating at airports to clearly define their roles and responsibilities. They emphasized that FAAN’s responsibilities in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly outlined in the act establishing the authority.
The unions stated, “We wish to make it clear that the roles of FAAN in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly stated in the act establishing FAAN. The recent incident involving the assault on FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services is one of many such occurrences by Customs personnel at the airport.”
When contacted, Afegbai confirmed the incident, explaining that he and other senior FAAN staff had gone to replace a faulty security machine temporarily relocated from Enugu airport. He claimed that Customs officers insisted the machine was illegal and meant for export. Despite efforts to clarify its purpose, a Deputy Controller of Customs, identified as Yusuf, allegedly ordered reinforcements to prevent the installation of the machine.
In response, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that both SAHCO and NAHCO, where the incident occurred, are Customs-licensed bonded warehouses. While he did not directly address the assault allegations, he emphasized that these warehouses remain under Customs control.
Maiwada said, “In line with the World Customs Organisation’s Safe Framework of Standards, which promotes cooperation between Customs, other government agencies, and businesses, the NCS remains committed to fostering a collaborative working environment. This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and national economic growth.”
He added that the service is dedicated to enhancing inter-agency cooperation to ensure smooth operations in Customs-controlled areas and prevent similar incidents in the future.
