Aviation Workers, On March 6, 2025, a significant confrontation unfolded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting deep-seated tensions between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This incident has not only disrupted airport operations but has also raised critical concerns about inter-agency collaboration and the overall safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Incident: A Clash of Authorities
The altercation began when Afegbai Albert Igbafe, FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, was overseeing the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines at the NAHCO Shed of the Hajj/Cargo Terminal around 2:30 p.m. These machines are essential for enhancing airport security by detecting explosive materials. Despite Igbafe’s proper identification and clear communication regarding the equipment’s purpose, Customs officials, claiming they were not notified about the installation, detained him inside the shed.
In response, Igbafe called for backup, leading to the arrival of armed FAAN security personnel. The situation escalated as Customs officers summoned reinforcements from their Ikeja barracks, resulting in a tense standoff that lasted several hours. During this period, Customs officials allegedly assaulted FAAN personnel attempting to document the incident and harassed bystanders, further exacerbating the situation.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Conflicts
This confrontation is not an isolated event but rather part of a recurring pattern of jurisdictional disputes between NCS and FAAN:
- January 2022: FAAN publicly accused Customs officers of breaching security protocols at MMIA, leading to a public spat between the two agencies. nigerianflightdeck.com
- 2020: Customs officials were implicated in bypassing security checks to facilitate illegal cash smuggling through the airport tarmac. nigerianflightdeck.com
- 2015: Customs officers attempted unauthorized access to the airport tarmac without proper accreditation and assaulted a FAAN security officer during an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) inspection. nigerianflightdeck.com
These incidents underscore a longstanding issue of inadequate inter-agency collaboration and a disregard for established aviation protocols, compromising both operational efficiency and safety standards at Nigerian airports.
Union Response: Demands for Accountability and Reform
In light of the recent incident, aviation unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), have expressed their outrage. They have issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding the redeployment of the Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command and all officers involved in the assault. The unions are also calling for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each agency operating within airport environments to prevent future conflicts.
Furthermore, the unions have threatened industrial action if their demands are not met, emphasizing that the safety and dignity of aviation workers must be protected. They argue that the current situation, where multiple armed agencies operate within the same space without clear boundaries, is a recipe for disaster and must be addressed urgently.
Customs’ Stance: Claims of Miscommunication
The Nigeria Customs Service, through its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the incident as a “miscommunication” regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements. The statement emphasized Customs’ commitment to inter-agency cooperation but did not address the assault allegations or offer an apology, a response that has fueled further criticism and mistrust among aviation stakeholders.
Aviation Workers
Implications for Airport Security and Nigeria’s Global Standing
The recurring clashes between Customs and FAAN personnel have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s global security rating. International aviation bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), closely monitor security protocols at airports worldwide. Frequent skirmishes and breaches of security protocols at Nigerian airports could lead to a downgrade in the country’s security rating, resulting in increased scrutiny of Nigerian flights, higher insurance premiums, and restrictions on international routes.
Moreover, these incidents undermine confidence in Nigeria’s ability to maintain security at its international gateways, potentially deterring foreign airlines from operating in the country and further isolating Nigeria from global aviation networks.
The Way Forward: Recommendations for Resolving the Crisis
To prevent future incidents and restore order within Nigeria’s aviation sector, the following measures are recommended:
- Immediate Disciplinary Actions: Officers involved in the recent assault should face appropriate sanctions, including suspension, dismissal, or prosecution, to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
- Clear Definition of Roles: The federal government should establish a clear operational framework that delineates the roles and responsibilities of each agency operating within airport environments, ensuring that no agency oversteps its boundaries.
- Enforcement of Inter-Agency Cooperation: A legally binding MoU should be implemented to define the limits of each agency’s jurisdiction within airport environments, promoting collaboration and preventing conflicts.
- Reduction of Armed Personnel: The government should reconsider the decision to arm FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel. The presence of multiple armed agencies within the same space increases the risk of deadly confrontations and should be addressed urgently.
- Public Accountability: Armed agencies must publicly acknowledge misconduct and commit to respecting aviation security protocols, including issuing formal apologies to affected personnel and the public.
Conclusion: A Call for Decisive Action
The persistent aggression by Customs and other armed agencies against AVSEC personnel is a national security concern that requires urgent attention.
Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers Aviation Workers
