Inter-agency rivalry at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos became pronounced, as Aviation union members clashed with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
This rivalry has been a recurring issue between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies operating at the airport.
According information gathered on Friday, the aviation unions raised concerns over repeated assaults on Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel by NCS operatives, demanding immediate intervention.
In a recent incident, it was alleged that, Customs officers allegedly attacked the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), sparking outrage among the workers.
Three 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 issued a 14-day ultimatum for the redeployment of Controller, Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of the Customs in charge of Pilgrims, and Cargo Terminal (PCT), alongside all officers involved.
The unions, in a joint statement also called on the federal government to redefine Customs’ roles within bonded warehouses in civil aviation, saying there was the need for alignment with global standards.
Additionally, they demanded a reduction in the number of Customs personnel at airports in line with international best practices.
They also urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with paramilitary agencies, saying this would clarify operational scopes and prevent future conflicts.
The unions warned of potential industrial unrest if their demands are not met within the stipulated time frame.
In its reaction, the Nigeria Customs Service through the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada said
“A miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements resulted in a disagreement between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the NCS.”
It however stated that the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) are Customs licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses.
The NCS stated, “While the Service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.”
