July 11, (THEWILL) — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have pledged to deepen collaboration in a bid to enhance security and improve passenger facilitation at the country’s airports.
This agreement was reached on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, at the FAAN headquarters in Lagos.
Following the meeting, both heads conducted a joint inspection of key facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Speaking after the tour, Kuku described the engagement as a significant step toward elevating Nigeria’s aviation experience.
She said the synergy between FAAN and Customs would not only improve security operations but also streamline passenger processing and facilitate trade, especially at the cargo terminals.
“The partnership between both agencies is proof of our shared commitment to improve passenger experience and boost trade facilitation.
“Together with other government bodies, we were instrumental in removing Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by curbing illicit financial flows and enforcing strict currency declaration protocols,” Kuku said.
She reminded passengers that they are required to declare any amount exceeding $10,000 upon arrival or departure, adding that enhanced security screening measures are already in place to support this mandate.
Kuku also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to reduce the number of passenger checkpoints and security interfaces across airports to ease congestion and enhance traveler convenience.
“We received a strong commitment from the CG of Customs to further reduce blockades at our terminals without compromising on security. This will significantly improve the overall passenger experience,” she said.
On cargo terminal operations, Kuku revealed that FAAN had revalidated the registration of all cargo operators to improve transparency and accountability.
“We’ve introduced reforms to restore order in cargo terminals nationwide. Increased activities require stricter controls, and with the support of the Customs Service, we’re bringing sanity and structure back to the system,” she said.
Responding, Comptroller-General Adeniyi commended FAAN for the strides made in airport infrastructure and operational efficiency, noting that visible improvements have been observed in recent times.
“Our visit today is aimed at deepening collaboration and building a shared understanding of our roles—especially in national security and trade facilitation. While FAAN is focused on aviation security, Customs is tasked with revenue generation, documentation, and cargo oversight.
“But in all of this, the passenger experience must never be compromised,” Adeniyi said.
He praised the ongoing efforts to ensure Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list and commended FAAN for establishing designated points for currency declaration.
“As part of our contribution, the Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced its systems to optimize this process. Collaboration with FAAN and other agencies is vital to our success,” he added.
Adeniyi concluded by expressing readiness to explore further avenues to institutionalize cooperation between both agencies and make Nigeria’s airports globally competitive.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
