FAAN Debunks Assault Video, Directs Agents to Restrict Cargo Operations to Designated Areas
Chinedu Eze
Recently, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded to a viral video depicting a confrontation between its staff and a woman claiming to be a cargo agent at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. FAAN has labeled the footage as an attempt to blackmail the agency.
In the video, airport employees, identified as FAAN officials, are seen in a physical altercation with a woman who insisted she wouldn’t pay anyone for cargo charges.
In light of the incident, FAAN has implemented new measures, stating that cargo operations will now be restricted to designated areas, utilizing the appropriate vehicles and personnel, while strictly following payment protocols. The authority stresses that these cargo policies are in place to align with international best practices, protect airport facilities, and improve customer service and safety.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the agency provided clarification regarding the incident and rejected various claims circulating online.
The statement clarified that the individual involved in the altercation was not a passenger but rather a cargo agent engaging in unauthorized activities at the airport. Reportedly, the agent refused to pay the required cargo fees, leading to a tense situation that resulted in damage to airport equipment.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is aware of the video that shows a disagreement between our staff and an individual regarding cargo charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal,” Orah stated. “It’s important for us to clarify our cargo policies and detail what occurred.”
“Contrary to initial reports, the person involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting illegal operations. She not only refused to pay the required charges but also caused damage to equipment and strained our resources. It’s crucial to emphasize that our staff did not harass her, nor did they ask for a bribe during this incident. This was a simple case of blackmail, with our staff ensuring that the correct fees were collected.”
FAAN urges all cargo agents and the public to recognize that cargo operations must occur exclusively within designated areas, utilizing the appropriate vehicles and personnel while meeting payment obligations.
“Our cargo policies are designed to meet international standards, protect airport facilities, and prioritize both customer service and safety. We impose a fine of N5,000.00 for non-compliance with cargo operational guidelines, which includes failing to use designated cargo terminals and causing damage to carousels through improper handling of cargo.”
