Aviation unions have issued a warning that airports across Nigeria will be shut down from March 31, 2025, if the government does not take action against a customs officer accused of assaulting the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In a joint statement, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) expressed outrage over repeated attacks on FAAN personnel. The statement, signed by union representatives Ocheme Aba, Frances Akinjole, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu, made it clear that they would no longer tolerate such incidents.
Unions Demand Action to Protect FAAN Staff
The unions stressed the need for the government to reduce the number of customs officers operating within civil aviation, aligning with international standards.
“Given the severity and repeated nature of physical and psychological assaults on FAAN staff, we are left with no choice but to assert our determination to establish a framework that ensures mutual respect between FAAN employees and security agencies at airports,” the unions stated.
They further warned that unless concrete steps are taken to protect FAAN personnel, all aviation workers would be directed to withdraw their services, effectively shutting down airport operations by the end of March.
A Call for Sanctions and Accountability
The unions condemned the recent attack on the Director of Aviation Security, describing it as “one incident too many.” They insisted that sanctions must be imposed to safeguard the rights and safety of FAAN workers.
“It is our firm expectation that our demands will be met to prevent an industrial crisis,” the statement continued.
Customs Response
Reacting to the situation, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada attributed the disagreement between FAAN officials and customs officers to a miscommunication regarding the movement of equipment and seating arrangements.
With tensions rising, the unions remain steadfast in their demand for action, warning that failure to address the issue could disrupt airport operations nationwide.
