Aviation
Aviation workers threaten nationwide airports shutdown over Customs officer assault
Aviation workers threaten nationwide airports shutdown over Customs officer assault
Aviation unions have announced plans to shut down airports across Nigeria starting March 31 in protest against the failure to remove a customs officer who allegedly assaulted the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In a joint statement signed by Ocheme Aba (NUATE), Frances Akinjole (ATSSSAN), and Abdul Rasaq Saidu (ANAP), the unions condemned the repeated physical assaults on FAAN staff, vowing not to tolerate such incidents any longer.
The unions also called on the government to urgently reduce the number of customs officers operating within the aviation sector, aligning with global best practices. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will proceed with the nationwide shutdown, potentially disrupting air travel and operations.
The statement reads: “Considering the enormity and frequency of physical and psychological assault on the staff and management personnel of FAAN, of which there is no end in sight, we are compelled to inform the management of the unwavering determination of our unions to cause the establishment of a clear framework of mutual respect among FAAN staff and the security agencies operating at the airports.
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“Consequential sanctions are in place which guarantee the safety and human rights of FAAN staff. We shall direct all the workers to withdraw from the airports with effect from March 31, 2025, pending when such protocols are established.
“The recent assault on no less a personality than the Director of Aviation Security of FAAN is one too many, which leaves a taste too bitter to swallow. It is our sincere hope that our demand in the above respect is well met to avoid the industrial conflagration that will ensue in the absence of acceptable remedial actions.”
In response, Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for Customs, stated in a recent release that the disagreement between FAAN officials and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stemmed from a miscommunication over equipment movement and seating arrangements.
Aviation workers threaten nationwide airports shutdown over Customs officer assault
Aviation
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear malfunction while touching down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after a flight from Lagos.
According to Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident occurred around 19:10 hrs on Thursday as the aircraft, with registration number SN-BZN, completed its approach on Runway 08. The plane came to a stop on the runway and was unable to move moments after landing.
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FAAN said emergency response teams were “immediately mobilised” to secure the airfield and ensure the safety of all onboard.
“FAAN’s airport emergency resources, including fire tenders and medical standby, were deployed as standard procedure,” the statement said.
“All passengers and crew were safely disembarked and evacuated to the terminal using Apron buses. Evacuation concluded at 19:48 hrs, with no injuries recorded.”
The agency added that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were already in position as the aircraft and airside were secured. FAAN reiterated that the safety of travellers, crew members and airport personnel remains its top priority, and said further information will be provided once investigations progress.
The incident places renewed scrutiny on Enugu Air, which was launched just four months ago by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
Aviation
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular social media influencers VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Mr Jollof may face prosecution and possible jail terms following their physical altercation aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Vanguard.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA will recommend that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police prosecute the two passengers, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will be advised to place them on a temporary no-fly list.
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He stated:
“The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. Once received, the relevant department will take necessary action. I have already spoken with our Director of Legal Services and advised that we write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers.
“We will provide full details of the incident to aid prosecution. We will also advise AON to blacklist the passengers as a deterrent. If prosecuted, they may face jail terms and fines. The laws are clear.”
A viral video posted on Monday showed VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof exchanging blows inside the aircraft, prompting shock and panic among passengers.
United Nigeria Airlines later confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, stating that both men were immediately handed over to airport security.
The NCAA insists the case will be pursued to enforce discipline and ensure safety within the aviation sector.
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
Aviation
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced disciplinary action against social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) after the pair engaged in a physical fight aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.
In a statement issued on X, the NCAA condemned the confrontation as “unacceptable behaviour” that endangered passengers, crew and the aircraft.
“There is zero tolerance for unruly conduct onboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law,” the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said.
The agency expressed disappointment that public figures with large followings were responsible for such misconduct, stressing that their actions violated aviation safety protocols.
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The NCAA confirmed that the airline involved is expected to submit an official report before legal sanctions are issued.
Eyewitnesses said the clash was fueled by an ongoing social media feud between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof, which escalated into a physical altercation in the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew intervened to restore order.
VDM later posted a video claiming he confronted Mr Jollof, saying:
“I don chop Jollof father for inside plane. He bit me—man wey dey bite.”
The NCAA said a full statement will be released after reviewing reports from the airline and cabin crew.
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
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