Why FAAN restricts cargo operations to designated areas, imposes N5000 non-compliant levy-Orah

  

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on cargo agents travellers and all people dealing in cargo to restrict their cargo operations to designated cargo areas by utilizing proper vehicles, and personnel and to pay the necessary levies.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah in a statement on Tuesday said FAAN’s cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices, prevent damage to airport facilities especially the conveyor belts and urged to prioritise customer service and safety.

Obiageli Orah

Orah disclosed that the agency imposed a fine of N5,000 on non-compliant cargo for the reasons of failure to utilize designated cargo terminals, and damage to carousels resulting from improper cargo handling.

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Many travellers, particularly from Asia and the Middle East carry too heavy cargoes through airport passenger terminals rather than through the cargo area of the Lagos and Abuja airports, thereby putting some of the airport facilities in danger.

For non-compliance, the authority imposes N5000 on travellers which most times leads to fisticuffs between FAAN personnel and passengers.

In a related development, FAAN has reacted video circulating online, depicting a disagreement between its staff and an individual over cargo charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport terminal.

Orah stated that contrary to initial reports, the individual involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting, ‘Illegal operations at the airport.”

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“She refused to pay the stipulated charges for the cargo and behaved in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining our resources”.

She further clarified that there was no form of molestation by FAAN staff, neither was there any request for a bribe from our staff during the incident, adding, “This was simply an act of blackmail. Our staff was simply ensuring that the correct levy was paid.

“We urge all cargo agents and members of the public to note that cargo operations should be restricted to designated cargo areas, utilizing proper vehicles, and personnel and pay the levies. Our cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices, prevent damage to airport facilities and prioritise customer service and safety”, she added. 

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Wole Shadare

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