Aviation unions 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, Lagos.
The call follows an alleged assault on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Director of Security, Igbafe Afegbai.
The unions, which include the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals have also urged President Bola Tinubu to redeploy all customs officers involved in the incident.
According to a letter obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the ultimatum, effective from March 7, 2025, will expire on March 21.
The unions warned of potential disruptions in the aviation sector should their demands not be met, citing what they described as “excesses and misbehaviours” of customs officers at the airport.
Additionally, they called for a reduction in the number of customs personnel at airports nationwide, particularly in Lagos, to align with global aviation standards.
They also demanded FAAN sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all paramilitary agencies operating in airports to clearly define their roles and responsibilities.
“The attention of aviation unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another assault on the personnel of the organisation by the Nigeria Customs Services, this time a high-level officer. The Director of Aviation Security Services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
“We wish to make it clear the roles of FAAN in managing passenger and cargo terminals are clearly stated in the act establishing FAAN. The ugly incident that led to the attack on FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services is one too many among the so many assaults being carried out by customs personnel on the staff of the airport,” the unions stated.
Afegbai, the victim of the alleged assault, confirmed the incident and recounted how customs officers prevented him and other senior FAAN staff from installing a faulty security machine, which had been temporarily transferred from Enugu airport.
He explained that customs officials, led by a Deputy Controller identified as Yusuf, insisted the equipment was an illegal export item.
Despite efforts to clarify its purpose, the officers allegedly called for reinforcement, leading to harassment and obstruction of FAAN personnel.
Reacting to the incident, Nigeria Customs Service Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, acknowledged that SAHCO and NAHCO, where the confrontation occurred,are bonded warehouses under Customs control. However, he did not directly address the assault allegations.
“In line with the World Customs Organisation’s Safe Framework of Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies, and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment.
“This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy,” he stated.
Maiwada further emphasized that NAHCO and SAHCO warehouses operate under Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and remain under Customs control as outlined in Section 127 of the same law.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” he added.
The aviation unions have vowed to take action if their demands are not met, raising concerns about potential disruptions within the Lagos airport and the broader aviation sector.
