The Federal Government has introduced a new initiative, Operation Air Clean, aimed at addressing harassment and corrupt practices at Nigeria’s international airports while improving overall service delivery.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the initiative on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He explained that the measures would put an end to the harassment of travelers by government agencies and improve the passenger experience at the nation’s airports.
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), key reforms include the dissolution of joint inspection tables, to be replaced with intelligence-driven searches and advanced scanning technology for faster security checks.
Passenger processing will also be streamlined, with the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration Service officers now sharing checkpoints to reduce congestion.
To enforce discipline, Keyamo approved the establishment of mobile courts for the swift prosecution of offenders, including touts. A zero-tolerance policy will also be implemented against unauthorized activities by Bureau de Change operators and car-hire personnel.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will introduce several enhancements, including improved lighting, better signage, free Wi-Fi for passengers, and designated meet-and-greet areas to provide a more comfortable experience.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, urged stakeholders and the public to support Operation Air Clean, emphasizing that collaboration is crucial to creating a safer and more efficient airport environment.