Aviation Minister Vows to Tackle Begging and Extortion at Nigeria’s Airports

The Aviation Minister has responded to mounting complaints about begging and extortion at Nigeria’s international airports.

Minister Festus Keyamo, in a statement released on Monday, June 24, 2024, addressed the growing concerns from Nigerians regarding the negative activities by some individuals at these airports.

Keyamo acknowledged the receipt of numerous calls and messages from citizens reporting these issues, which have been persistent and troubling.

Minister Keyamo clarified that many of the agencies implicated in these activities are not under the direct control of the Aviation Ministry, even though they operate within airport premises.

To address the issue, Keyamo has been collaborating with other ministers, government arms, and relevant agencies. He assured the public that a coordinated effort is underway to tackle the problem.

This initiative is being led by the National Security Adviser, who convened a meeting recently to discuss the matter.

Keyamo expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their vigilance and continued reporting of such incidents, emphasizing that public awareness is crucial in combating this menace.

He assured that practical measures are being developed and will soon be implemented to curb begging and extortion at the airports. These measures aim to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s international airports and ensure a positive image for the country.

The minister’s statement, originally published on his social media account, underscores the government’s commitment to resolving this issue promptly.

The coordinated response from various government sectors highlights the seriousness with which this matter is being addressed. Keyamo’s assurance of imminent action provides a glimmer of hope for travelers and citizens affected by these negative activities at Nigeria’s airports.

The statement on his official social media page reads in part, “I have received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at our International airports by a few unscrupulous persons who give all of us a bad image.

“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians. 

Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the Aviation Ministry, though they are stationed at our airports. However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight soon.”