Nigeria airports where racketeering threatens passengers safety

|Published 12:30 PM ET, Monday March 17, 2025|

Racketeering activities at Nigerian airports, particularly in Lagos, have raised significant concerns regarding passenger safety and the overall integrity of the aviation sector.​

Lagos Airports: A Hub for Racketeering

Investigations have highlighted that Lagos airports, especially Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), are hotspots for various racketeering activities that jeopardize passenger safety. These activities include:​

Multiple Luggage Screenings: Unlike global standards where luggage is typically screened once, passengers at Lagos airports often undergo up to three separate screenings. This not only causes delays but also creates opportunities for corrupt practices. ​

Extended Transit from Car Park to Terminal: The considerable distance between the car park and the terminal, requiring a 15 to 25-minute walk, poses security risks, especially during late hours. ​

Staff Shortages: Insufficient airline staffing leads to prolonged queues and frustrated passengers, creating an environment where touts and unauthorized personnel can exploit the situation. ​

Bribery and Corruption: There are widespread reports of airport officials, security agents, and airline staff soliciting bribes from travelers. Passengers without cash are often directed to on-site Point of Sale (POS) agents to withdraw money, perpetuating a cycle of corruption. ​

Ticket Racketeering: A Growing Concern

The scarcity of aircraft seats has intensified ticket racketeering by airline ground staff and airport touts. Investigations have revealed that:​

Ticket Manipulation: Airline staff, in collaboration with touts, cancel legitimate tickets to resell them at higher prices. This malpractice not only defrauds passengers but also poses security risks, as individuals travel under names not matching their identification documents. ​

Unauthorized Protocol Officers: Self-proclaimed protocol officers exploit passengers by offering expedited services for a fee, often bypassing standard security protocols. ​

Implications for Passenger Safety

These racketeering practices have severe implications for passenger safety:​

Security Breaches: Allowing individuals to board flights under false identities undermines security measures and increases the risk of criminal activities.​

Financial Exploitation: Passengers are coerced into paying exorbitant amounts for services that should be standard, leading to financial strain and mistrust in the aviation system.​

Recommendations for Improvement

To address these challenges and enhance passenger safety, the following measures are recommended:

Streamline Security Procedures: Implement efficient and technology-driven luggage screening processes to reduce redundancies and minimize opportunities for corrupt practices.​

Enhance Staffing and Training: Ensure adequate staffing levels and provide comprehensive training to airport personnel to improve efficiency and reduce passenger frustration.​

Strengthen Oversight and Accountability: Establish robust mechanisms to monitor and penalize corrupt practices among airport officials and staff. Encouraging whistleblowing and protecting informants can deter misconduct.​

Educate Passengers: Launch awareness campaigns to inform passengers about their rights and the proper channels for addressing grievances, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.​

By implementing these measures, Nigerian airports can enhance operational integrity, restore passenger trust, and ensure a safer travel environment.

Dr. Michael Omoruyi is the publisher of iNewsAfrica, a subsidiary of 21Communications LLC.

​​