Wole Shadare 
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday asked cargo agents, travelers and people dealing in cargo to restrict to their designated cargo areas.
In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said FAAN’s cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices and prevent damage to airport facilities, especially the conveyor belts.
The agency said: “Specifically, we impose a fine of N5,000 on non-compliant cargoes for the following reasons: failure to utilise designated cargo terminals, damage to carousels resulting from improper cargo handling.”
Many travellers, particularly from Asia and the Middle East carry 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 N5, 000 on travelers which most times leads to fisticuffs between FAAN personnel and passengers.
FAAN also reacted to a viral video depicting a disagreement between its employee and an individual over cargo charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport terminal. Orah said contrary to initial reports, the individual involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting “illegal operations at the airport”.
The agency said: “She refused to pay the stipulated charges for the cargo and behaved in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining our resources.”
Orah added: “We would also like to clarify that there was no form of molestation by FAAN staff, nor was there any request for a bribe from our staff during the incident. “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.”
