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By Chinelo Obogo
Three aviation unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Customs Area Comptroller at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) and all officers involved in the assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services.
In a joint statement signed by Ogbe John (Branch Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria – ATSSSAN), Agbor John (Secretary, Lagos Branch, National Union of Air Transport Employees – NUATE), and Emmanuel Okon (Branch Secretary, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals – ANAP), of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the unions called for a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of Customs operations within bonded warehouses in the civil aviation sector.
The unions expressed their outrage over the recent assault on a high-ranking official, the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). They then demanded the redeployment of the Customs Area Comptroller and officers involved in the assault, a clear definition of Customs roles in bonded warehouses within civil aviation, a reduction of Customs personnel in aviation to meet global standards and immediate signing of an MOU between FAAN and paramilitary agencies to define operational boundaries.
The statement further warned that failure to address these demands within 14 days could lead to a breakdown of industrial peace and harmony in the aviation sector.
The unions emphasized that the safety and security of aviation personnel must be prioritized, and any form of harassment or assault by external agencies will not be tolerated.
