FAAN BARS UNAUTHORISED VISITORS TO AIRPORTS
LAGOS - THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday warned that all persons without genuine mission to the nation's 22 airports will henceforth be arrested and prosecuted.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, who gave the warning said the latest renewal of security measures was to counter the spate of terrorist attacks in some parts of the country and make the airport safe for their users.
Mr. Aisuebeogun said the Authority in collaboration with some of the state governments, will soon address the menace of runway incursion, emphasising that his management will not hesitate to demolish all illegal structures, particularly in the Lagos area.
Although Mr. Aisuebeogun did not reveal all the strategies being adopted to check the wave of crime for security reasons, he, however, said that FAAN has put in place all the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of the travelling public, operators and other genuine users of the airport.
According to him, 'All necessary gadgets have been put in place, and we are putting more to ensure safety of all airport users. All movements are being closely monitored and recorded. We have at different occasions barred some individuals or bodies from the airports for security reasons in the best interest of the nation. There is also the restriction on the issuance and use of on-duty cards. We believe there shall not be unhindered access to restricted areas at the airports.'
The FAAN boss noted that FAAN is working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure maximum safety and security at the airports, adding that special security checks on individuals and vehicles accessing the airports would be intensified by security personnel.
Mr. Aisuebeogun disclosed that all airlines have been advised to ensure the compliance of all their passengers and staff with safety and security standards and procedures or face the wrath of the airport authorities, including that of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
He reiterated that ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, touting, loitering, hawking and littering of refuse at the airports is still in force, adding that errant persons will be liable to penalty of N50,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Mr. Aisuebeogun further restated that all abandoned vehicles and all others not parked at designated car parks shall be towed, stressing that overnight parking are not allowed at the airports.
He enjoined the travelling public to arrive at the airports early to comply with airport formalities and security checks. He also advised all airport users to report any suspicious person(s), movement(s), or objects to security personnel and further implored all airport users to always submit for security checks, and give maximum support/cooperation to security officials in the collective interest of all.