Travellers fault movement restriction at Lagos airport
The restriction order by authorities of the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport (MMIA), Lagos banning non-travellers from gaining
entrance into the terminal has drawn the ire of general public who accuse the
airport authority of shortchanging their relatives.
Some of the travellers spoken to by NEXT admitted that the
directive is aimed at safeguarding and protecting lives and properties at the
country’s premier airport over the weekend, but others maintained that the
development was not justifiable, as they argued that one should not be denied
the chance to say “a warm goodbye” to his or her loved one embarking on a
journey.
“It is important to keep this place safe, but denying us the
privilege of keeping our brother’s company while he waits for his flight, in
name of security, is unacceptable. They (Aviation Security personnel) said we
cannot go beyond this point and that only the traveller can go inside,” said
Ronke Thomas, a non-traveller, who together with two other family members were
barred from entering the departure lounge by FAAN’s Aviation Security officer
stationed at the terminal gate.
Explaining that her brother, who was to leave for London that
evening, will have to wait for about 30 minutes before boarding, Ms. Thomas
frowned at the new security measures, as she called on authorities to review
the directive.
“Not everyone, whether travelling or not who comes to the
airport should be treated as miscreants, and I don’t think the same is done in
civilized countries. They should be able to differentiate between those who see-off
their relatives and those who constitute nuisance here,” she said.
Late last month, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),
in conjunction with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), MMIA
Command of the Nigerian Police Force, and other law enforcement agencies at the
airport, after a meeting held at the headquarters of the civil aviation
regulatory agency decided to limit the number of persons allowed into the
terminal. The development, however, came after rumours of possible explosion at
the international wing of the Lagos airport, following series of bomb scare and
explosions recorded across the country. “I’m not worried about it,” said
another non-traveller barred from entering the terminal, who simply gave his
name as Anayo. “The security guy there said it’s a practice aimed at ensuring
safety and checking the number of unidentifiable persons who parade the airport
occasionally.” Mr. Anayo said that the development should be encouraged, adding
that those who have no business at the airport should not be allowed entry.
“I brought my aunt here, and after he (security) stopped me from
entering, I had no choice but to take my leave,” he said. “Though not everyone
will like this, the truth is that those who are not travelling should not congest
the small space and air meant for travellers and workers in that terminal
building.”
Screening continues
Commenting on the development, Akin Olukunle, General Manager,
Public Affairs for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said that the
process will continue till there is enough reason for a halt.
“The screening is going to be a continuous process until there
is need for us to end it, and as soon as this becomes necessary, we will make it
public to the general masses through the appropriate channel,” he said.
“We are going to maintain the standard as far as safety and security of
lives and properties is concerned and people who are not travelling should stay
outside the terminal whenever they get to the airport.” Meanwhile, officers
from the airport police command stationed road blocks few kilometers away from
the international terminal, as they check private and commercial vehicles
heading for the airport.
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