FAAN Responds to Viral Video of Immigration Officer Soliciting Money at Airport [Video]

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a statement in response to a viral video that has sparked widespread outrage.

The video, which surfaced on social media, captures an official from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) persistently begging a passenger for money at an international airport. The incident, which was recorded and shared widely, shows the officer even willing to accept card payments.

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, addressed the issue on Wednesday, August 8, 2024. She emphasized that such behavior is "completely unacceptable" and does not reflect the standards FAAN aims to uphold.

In her statement, Kuku assured the public that the officer involved has been "immediately withdrawn from duty at the terminal" and is currently facing disciplinary action with the NIS.

Kuku's statement further highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism among all personnel working at Nigerian airports. She urged passengers to report any similar incidents and provided contact information for immediate support.

"Your safety and comfort are our top priorities," she added, reinforcing FAAN's commitment to ensuring a pleasant travel experience for everyone.

Public opinion on the matter has been largely critical, with many Nigerians viewing the incident as a disgrace not only to the individual officer but also to the government.

Some have suggested that better compensation for officers might prevent such national embarrassments. The incident shows a broader concern about the decay in values within certain sectors of Nigerian society.