By Benson Daniel
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has ordered the immediate removal of a company accused of illegally clamping vehicles and collecting unauthorised penalties from motorists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The decision followed a complaint over the enforcement of parking and pick up restrictions at the airport, with allegations that motorists were being subjected to questionable procedures and required to pay ₦25,000 before their vehicles could be released.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that the complaint was escalated to the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, who directed the immediate ejection of the company from the airport.
Achimugu said the action was consistent with FAAN’s position that it would respond whenever there was evidence of unlawful conduct, particularly activities capable of inconveniencing airport users.
The controversy arose from allegations that enforcement personnel were clamping vehicles belonging to motorists who had briefly stopped in restricted areas of the airport. According to the complaint, some motorists were subsequently asked to pay a ₦25,000 penalty to have their vehicles released.
Concerns were also raised over the manner in which the alleged penalties were collected. The complaint claimed that some motorists were directed to make payments through point of sale operators or accounts linked to individuals and fintech platforms rather than through clearly identified official payment channels.
The allegations raised questions about the transparency of the enforcement process and whether the collection of the penalties was being conducted in accordance with approved airport procedures.
FAAN has not publicly disclosed the name of the company involved in the controversy. The authority, however, has moved to remove the firm from the airport while discussions are reportedly ongoing on the engagement of a replacement company.
The development comes amid FAAN’s broader efforts to strengthen the management of commercial transportation and traffic activities within Nigerian airports. The authority has repeatedly stressed that airports are highly regulated environments where transportation operators are expected to comply with established safety, security and operational requirements.
FAAN recently clarified that its regulations concerning commercial transportation services were not intended to prevent passengers from accessing convenient mobility options. Rather, the authority said its priority was to ensure that transport activities within airport premises operated within an appropriate framework that provided accountability and security.
The latest intervention also underscores the importance of transparent enforcement procedures at airports, particularly where penalties and payments are involved.
For motorists and other airport users, the incident highlights the need for clear information on parking, pick up and traffic restrictions, as well as accessible official channels for resolving alleged violations and making authorised payments.
FAAN has advised vehicle owners and airport users to comply with designated parking and traffic regulations while the authority continues to strengthen its enforcement arrangements.
The removal of the company signals a firm response from the airport authority to allegations of irregular practices and reinforces its stated commitment to protecting passengers and other airport users from activities that could compromise their convenience or confidence in airport operations.
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