Customs agents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos are currently facing challenges due to the alleged closure of their secretariat by the airport’s commandant. The agents, who are part of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, expressed concerns over the closure affecting their daily activities and causing significant losses, including potential revenue loss for the federal government.
Despite a court order instructing all parties to maintain the status quo, the secretariat remains locked, disrupting the agents’ operations. Efforts to appeal to the commandant have been unsuccessful, with fears that the continued closure could escalate into violence.
The closure has not only impacted the agents’ operations but has also affected revenue generation for the government through customs activities. The association estimates that almost N500 billion in revenue has been lost due to the ongoing situation.
The commandant, Chioma Udo, mentioned that the decision to reopen the secretariat lies with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, highlighting that the facility belongs to FAAN and indicating that further discussions should involve the FAAN MD for resolution.