The conflict between the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), both of the unit of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, may soon end. The two bodies recently agreed to collaborate to improve the security situation at the airport.
According to a joint statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the NCS and General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, the agreement was reached during a high level meeting of the officials of both organizations held in Abuja.
The meeting followed the fracas between operatives of the two agencies at the airport recently. The Customs delegation was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, while FAAN was led by its Managing Director, Engr Saleh Dunoma.
The joint meeting reviewed the facts of the event and resolved to maintain periodic consultations to facilitate airport security. The two Chief Executives expressed regret over the incident and agreed to work together to avoid future occurrence.
The meeting resolved that the Comptroller General of Customs will investigate the involvement of Customs officers in the fracas and will take appropriate punitive action if they are found guilty.
The Customs boss is also expected to review current deployments at MMIA, to ensure that only officers who meet the requirements of civility are retained.
It was also resolved during the meeting that FAAN will not restrict the movement of Customs officers deployed at the airport, but will continue to manage access control to ensure airport security in line with global standards.
Other resolution reached was that operations in the airports will be guided by strict adherence to processes and procedures established by law.
On the current conflicts in the enabling acts of the two organizations, it was agreed that this will be harmonized through a joint legal committee in line with international best practice.
By Pita Ochai
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