Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to curb touting and improve security at Nigeria’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to establish magistrate courts across the country’s airports. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure swift justice for violators of airport regulations and enhance the overall experience for genuine airport users.

This development was revealed by FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during a meeting held on Friday with heads of security agencies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The meeting, organized by FAAN, aimed to brief airport stakeholders on recent developments, share the strategic goals of the current management, and explore ways to enhance passenger experience and facilitation.

Mrs. Kuku highlighted that the presence of touts and individuals loitering without legitimate reasons has been a significant challenge in maintaining a comfortable and secure environment for passengers. “There are people who have absolutely no business being at the airport, and they continue to create issues for us,” she stated. “We have an anti-touting taskforce, and as it is, we are going to start the prosecution onsite of those engaging in these illicit activities or loitering around the airport environment and harassing passengers. This doesn’t happen elsewhere around the world, and the airport should be a safe space.”

In line with these efforts, the planned magistrate courts will enable immediate prosecution of offenders, serving as a deterrent to those who engage in unauthorized activities at the airports.

The FAAN boss also addressed concerns about car hire operators who violate processes and protocols, warning that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. She emphasized the need to streamline operations and reduce manual baggage searches at the international wing of the airport. Mrs. Kuku revealed plans to implement a process where baggage would undergo screening through machines, with security officials viewing contents in real-time, pulling aside only those that require secondary screening.

“We have to streamline our efforts. We need to improve processes at the airport. This is the 21st century, and we must keep up with the times,” she added.

The establishment of magistrate courts at airports is expected to significantly bolster FAAN’s ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and efficient airport environment, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the safety and comfort of all passengers.