The persistent begging and extorting syndrome around Nigerian airports seems to be heading toward a tailspin as critical stakeholders have vowed to end the menace.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN official intervention has equally shown the seriousness of the matter, with many calling for stringent and punitive measures to curb the excesses.
Experts contended that beggars, touts, and extortionists don’t just mess up the airports; they also soil the country’s image through their dirty practices. However, with the recently launched task force by the government aimed at eliminating the longstanding practices, travelers can now heave a sigh of relief.
‘Anti-touting and anti-extortion task force’
The Vanguard had reported on Sunday, 23rd of June, 2024, that the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, told newsmen that the government had launched an anti-touting and anti-extortion task force to get rid of the touts, beggars, and extortionists who lurk around the various airports in the country. According to Mrs Kuku, the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, Mr Henry Agbebire, will be the chairman of the task force.
No longer business as usual
Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, the Managing Director of FAAN said the era of business as usual in the country had gone. She warned that whoever was involved in the illicit acts by the newly inaugurated task force would be brought to book. Mrs Kuku also said that there is also a taskforce to ensure that airport staff are professional in their work.
“Dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience. All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability. FAAN is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users,” she said.
‘A bad image’
Decrying the persistent harassment and extortion of travelers by touts, beggars, and extortionists at the airports, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo SAN, on his X handle, said Nigerians who engage in these illicit acts give the country a bad image. While acknowledging the well-meaning Nigerians who have texted and called his phone to report the menaces, he said plans are in the pipeline to stem the ugly tide.
“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the Aviation Ministry, though they are stationed at our airports. However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government, and agencies who are responsible for these agencies, and a solution is in sight soon. We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue, and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide. We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” the Minister wrote.
‘A glimmer of hope’
Nigerians have expressed optimism about the task force set up by the government to tackle the endemic, which they say is an eyesore. “If this is solved, the majority of the issues being faced in our international airports will go. Some will even want to punish you for not parting with your money. It is really disturbing. Almost every point you reach, na so so begging begging,” Adewale Damilare, a social critic, wrote on his X page
Similarly, another social critic, Luke Osuoha, also commended the federal government for setting up a task force to nip the protracted menace in the bud and bring sanity back to the country’s airport. He also lauded Aviation Minister Mr Keyamo for his efforts to improve the country’s aviation industry. “Your dedication is supported,” he wrote.
‘Going Forward’
Experts commend the government for setting up a task force to combat the menace. They say that beggars and extortionists are not supposed to be seen around the airports, let alone allowed to engage with travelers. They, however, urge the government to ensure the task force doesn’t deviate from the purpose for which it was created. In other words, they say that the task force should also be checked as it carries out its duty to ensure it does not stray.
