Tensions are escalating at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, as aviation unions in the sector have issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over repeated incidents of physical and psychological assault on its staff by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The unions, in a strongly worded letter dated March 7, 2025, and addressed to FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, have threatened to withdraw their services across all airports in Nigeria if urgent action is not taken by March 31, 2025.
Unresolved Inter-Agency Tensions
For months, there has been an ongoing dispute between aviation workers and customs officers at MMA, leading to heightened inter-agency rivalry. At the center of the conflict is the management of the cargo terminal, where the NCS operates under its Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC).
The customs service had previously declared the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) as Customs Bonded Warehouses, a decision that reportedly triggered operational disagreements with FAAN officials.
According to sources, the latest flashpoint occurred when customs officers allegedly assaulted the Director of Aviation Security (AVSEC) at FAAN. This incident, described by the unions as the tipping point, has fueled widespread discontent among aviation workers.
Unions Demand Immediate Action
In a letter titled “Enough of Customs Officers’ Assault on FAAN Staff at MMIA”, the unions called on FAAN’s management to urgently implement a structured framework that ensures mutual respect and safety for its employees.
The letter was jointly signed by:
– Comrade Ocheme Aba, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)
– Comrade Abdulrazak Saidu, General Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)
– Comrade Frances Akinjole, General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)
The unions expressed their frustration over FAAN’s failure to take remedial action despite previous complaints and warnings.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this level of disrespect and violence towards our members. The safety and dignity of FAAN employees are non-negotiable,” the letter stated.
The unions have now given FAAN’s management a deadline to:
Implement clear operational guidelines that guarantee the protection of FAAN staff from harassment by security agencies.
Hold customs officers accountable for previous assaults and prevent future occurrences.
Foster a working relationship that upholds professionalism and mutual respect among all agencies operating at the airport.
Failure to meet these demands by March 31 will result in the withdrawal of FAAN workers from their duties, effectively crippling airport operations nationwide.
Customs Service Calls for Cooperation
In response to the growing tensions, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged all stakeholders to prioritize collaboration, adhere to due process, and foster mutual respect. The NCS maintains that seamless cargo operations are critical for economic growth and has called for a resolution that ensures all agencies can operate effectively.
As the deadline approaches, the aviation industry faces a potential crisis that could disrupt airport operations across the country. Passengers, cargo operators, and businesses reliant on air transport may experience significant delays and losses if the unions make good on their threat to withdraw services.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether FAAN’s management will intervene decisively to prevent a full-blown shutdown of the nation’s airports.
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