The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has warned {that a} rising tradition of impunity amongst airline passengers is threatening security on the nation’s airports.
In a letter to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, Festus Keyamo, the affiliation mentioned years of leniency in dealing with unruly passengers have emboldened disruptive behaviour and weakened the authority of airport officers.
“Previous leniency has created a notion of impunity,” NAFSA said, warning that such actions, if unchecked, might escalate in the course of the forthcoming Yuletide season when passenger site visitors usually surges.
Excessive-profile incidents
The group cited a number of current instances involving outstanding Nigerians, together with former Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole, fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (popularly often known as KWAM 1), and a passenger recognized as Consolation Emmanson — as examples of how disorderly conduct at airports undermines security and emboldens others to repeat such behaviour.
The affiliation argued that weak enforcement of rules, financial pressures, and disrespect for airport authority gasoline misconduct. “Unruly passengers are a critical risk, not simply to workers however to different travellers and airport safety as an entire,” it warned.
NAFSA acknowledged the current sensitisation campaigns organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) however insisted they fall quick with out constant enforcement.
Whereas commending Mr Keyamo’s intervention within the Consolation Emmanson case, the group cautioned in opposition to what it described as “patterns of forgiveness” that ship the mistaken message to the general public.
“No disorderly passenger ought to be pardoned in future instances,” the affiliation maintained, urging the federal government to undertake a zero-tolerance method.
The affiliation really helpful sooner adjudication of unruly passenger instances, workers retraining in battle administration, and common rotation of employees in delicate obligation posts to keep away from complacency.
In excessive instances, it prompt that passengers who threaten security ought to be instantly faraway from flights, even when it means cancellations.
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NAFSA additionally warned that delays in dealing with misconduct might erode public confidence within the aviation justice system and compromise safety.
Based practically three a long time in the past, NAFSA is knowledgeable physique representing aviation fire-fighters, rescue and security workers throughout Nigerian airports. It describes itself as a “gatekeeper of security,” working with FAAN, NCAA, the Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigerian Faculty of Aviation Expertise (NCAT) to push for stronger requirements and higher coaching.
The affiliation has a monitor report of elevating alarms about systemic dangers within the aviation sector.
As an illustration in Could 2024, it warned of a surge in runway excursions in Lagos and Abuja, urging regulators to implement security suggestions.
Earlier this 12 months, in April 2025, it additionally condemned United Nigeria Airways for working flights throughout a strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Company, saying flying with out climate stories endangered lives.
In 2024, it threatened a nationwide protest over authorities income deductions from aviation businesses, arguing the coverage was crippling safety-critical capabilities.
