Multiple passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, have decried the harassment they go through as unacceptable.
They blamed the harassment on overzealous security and para-military personnel, who, in the guise of carrying out their duties, extorted them.
Those dissatisfied with the unprofessional conducts by the officials have been demanding sanctions from the appropriate authorities.
Though the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), introduced streamlined checking at the airport to reduce human interface among the relevant screening agencies, some errant officials still indulge in the harassment of passengers.
The agencies operating at the airport are: Department of State Services (DSS); police; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and National Agricultural Plants Quarantine Services.
Investigations further revealed that while passengers process their flight through airlines’ counters, they usually express apprehension when they approach processing points manned by security agencies.
A Europe-bound passenger, who expressed frustration, recounted how an official forced him to declare the foreign currency on him as he approached their stand towards the boarding gate.
The passenger shared his experience of how officials were pestering him to declare how much foreign currency he had on him, before he could be profiled to continue with other pre-departure protocols.
The misconduct of the officials, whose motive was to disorient the passenger in order to extort money, is contrary to the extant regulation, where passengers are expected to fill a form for cash only in excess of $10,000.
Besides passengers departing the country, others have complained of the sore treatment meted out to them by officials.
Speaking in an interview, a London-bound mother of two, who identified herself as Mrs. Ronke Williams, berated the behaviour of personnel attached to the new international terminal, who openly solicit for gratification.
She noted that the underhand tactics used by the personnel has become an embarrassment for regular users of the facility.
She said: “This shameful practice of soliciting gratification from passengers is becoming embarrassing. From unsolicited greetings, ranging from “Show us some love”; to “You are welcome home”; “Wetin you bring for us”, the experience is becoming unbearable.
“When you ignore them and insist on your right for them to go ahead and discharge their duties officially, they become very unfriendly and hostile. It is either they are asking useless questions or requesting for documents not within their purview. I think the authorities should sanitise the system.”
Another passenger, who identified himself as Mr. Benson Alu, cited how some officials demanded to know his mission in Europe. This was despite having a valid visa to travel.