Photo: Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Yemi Olakitan
In a bold move to tackle the long-standing issue of harassment at Nigerian airports, the Federal Government has approved a series of reforms aimed at enhancing passengers’ travel experience. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the launch of “Operation Air Clean” on X, an initiative designed to eliminate corrupt practices and improve service delivery at international airports.
Replaced by intelligence-driven searches and advanced scanners to speed up security check
Consolidated checkpoints with DSS and Immigration Service officers sharing counters to reduce congestion. The Federal Government has commenced the installation of E-Gates facilities at international airports to minimize human contact and enhance national security.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has also met with heads of security agencies to address the issues of touting and passenger harassment. The meeting resulted in the launch of “Operation AirClean,” aimed at improving collaboration among agencies and streamlining passenger search processes.
These reforms demonstrate the government’s commitment to providing a safer and more efficient travel experience. With “Operation Air Clean” in full swing, Nigerian airports are poised to become a model for excellence in airport management.
According to reports, Nigerian airports have long been plagued by corrupt practices and harassment, negatively impacting the travel experience for passengers. These issues range from bribery and extortion to physical harassment and intimidation.
Airport officials and security personnel often demand bribes from passengers for favors or to avoid unnecessary delays. Touts and scammers operate at airports, targeting unsuspecting passengers and relieving them of their valuables. Physical Passengers, particularly women, are sometimes subjected to physical harassment, including unwanted touching and verbal abuse.
