The management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN refuted allegations of molestation and bribery raised by a woman in a trending video clip on the social media against its staff over a cargo incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
In a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, the airport Authority stated that the lady screaming and engaging in scuffle with one of its personnel is not a passenger but a clearing agent who wanted to evade paying prescribed charges and behaving in unacceptable way.
Orah who refuted any form of molestation from FAAN personnel at the airport, added that the woman was engaging in illegal operations in the airport terminal, behaving in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining the airport resources.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been made aware of a video circulating online, depicting a disagreement between our staff and an individual over cargo charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal. We would like to set the record straight regarding our cargo policies and the incident in question.
“Contrary to initial reports, the individual involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting illegal operations at the airport. She refused to pay the stipulated charges for the cargo and behaved in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining our resources. We would also like to clarify that there was no form of molestation by FAAN staff, neither was there any request for a bribe from our staff during the incident. This was simply an act of blackmail. Our staff was simply ensuring that the correct levy was paid,” said the statement.
FAAN in the statement clarified that a fine of ₦5,000.00 (Five Thousand Naira) is imposed on cargoes that are taken through passenger terminal instead of through designated cargo terminals and also to avoid damage to carousels resulting from impropper cargo handling.
“Specifically, we impose a fine of ₦5,000.00 (Five Thousand Naira) on non-compliant cargoes for the following reasons: Failure to utilize designated cargo terminals and Damage to carousels resulting from improper cargo handling.
The airports authority has however advised all cargo agents and the general public that cargo operations should be restricted to designated terminals and ensure that appropriate levies are paid.
“We urge all cargo agents and members of the public to note that cargo operations should be restricted to designated cargo areas, utilizing proper vehicles, personnel, and pay the levies. Our cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices, prevent damage to airport facilities, and prioritize customer service and safety.” Orah stated.
