24th June, 2024
By Gabriel Agbeja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has assured that the Federal Government is taking steps to resolve complaints concerning touts and extortionists at the Nigerian airports.
Keyamo, who acknowledged that the activities of the touts were giving the nation a negative image said the Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the menace
The minister made this known on his verified X account (@fkeyamo) on Sunday.
He expressed sadness over the prevalence of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports.
But he noted that most of the agencies involved are not directly under his ministry. He however said Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser who is equally concerned about the issue is coordinating efforts to tackle it.
“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.
“However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight.
“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.”
The minister thanked Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on burning issues.
Keyamo affirmed he had received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at the nation’s International airports by a few unscrupulous persons that gave the country bad image.
“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians. We shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.
“We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” he said.
(NAN)