BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Three major aviation unions are fiercely pushing for the immediate redeployment of the Area Controller of the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) and all Customs officers involved in the recent alleged assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
The unions have given authorities a 14-day ultimatum to act, warning that failure to comply could disrupt industrial harmony within the sector.
In a joint statement made available to the media, the unions, AirTransport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), strongly condemned what they described as an unacceptable act of aggression by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The statement was signed by Comrade Ogbe John, Branch Secretary of ATSSSAN; Comrade Agbor John D., Secretary, Lagos Branch of NUATE; and Comrade Emmanuel Okon, Branch Secretary of ANAP.
The unions also urged the government to clearly define the operational boundaries of Customs personnel within bonded warehouses in civil aviation, emphasising that such clarity was crucial for maintaining order and professionalism within the airport environment.
Furthermore, they called for an immediate reduction in the number of Customs officers operating within civil aviation facilities, arguing that excessive Customs presence at airports was totally inconsistent with global best practices.
To prevent further clashes and jurisdictional disputes, the unions demanded that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with all paramilitary agencies operating within the nation’s airports.
The proposed MoU, they said, should clearly outline the scope, roles, and responsibilities of each agency to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.
Expressing their deep concerns over the incident, the unions warned that they would not hesitate to take necessary industrial actions if their demands were ignored.
Part of their statement reads: “The attention of aviation unions in FAAN has been drawn to yet another assault on the personnel of the organization by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), this time involving a high-ranking official—the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA). Such acts of violence and disregard for aviation security personnel are unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
With tensions rising over the alleged assault, stakeholders’ eyes are now on the government and aviation authorities to take decisive action in resolving the dispute and ensuring a harmonious working environment at the airport.
